Madhya Pradesh gets its eighth tiger reserve in Ratapani

Officials said the tiger reserve designation enables the state to receive funding from the NTCA, which will “ensure better management and conservation efforts for wildlife”.

“Eco-development programs are also set to provide further support to the region’s inhabitants,” said an official.

The notification delineates the core and buffer areas, making this the eighth tiger reserve in the state. The core area spans 763.8 square kilometers, while the buffer area covers 507.6 square kilometers, making the total area of the Ratapani Tiger Reserve 1,271.4 square kilometers.

Sitting in the lap of the Vindhya hills, the sanctuary encompasses a World Heritage Site – the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters – and many historical and religious destinations. It is located in the Raisen district with a substantial cover of teak forests and is less than 50 kilometres away from Bhopal.

The notification was issued under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, acknowledging the core area as a critical tiger habitat. This will cover nine revenue villages covering 26.947 square kilometers. “These villages have been integrated into the buffer zone. This decision ensures that the rights of local villagers within the sanctuary’s boundaries will remain unaffected,” said a wildlife officer.

This development comes against the backdrop of Madhav National Park also receiving approval to be declared a tiger reserve. “The Government of India’s communication on December 1 paves the way for the issuance of a notification formalising the move within 15 days,” an officer said.