This is an archive article published on December 3, 2024
Premium
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”.
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.(Representative/ Express file photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
The Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was on Monday declared a tiger reserve following in-principle approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change through the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Officials said this will bring significant benefits. “Local communities will see economic opportunities grow with the promotion of ecotourism, which is expected to generate employment and improve livelihoods,” said an official.
Advertisement
Officials said the tiger reserve designationenables 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.
Advertisement
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.
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.(Representative/ Express file photo by Ganesh Shirsekar) 
Share
