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Journalism of Courage
The Sohelwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Balrampur and Shrawasti districts of east Uttar Pradesh will soon be converted into a tiger reserve. Spread over 452 acres near the Indo-Nepal border, the sanctuary has witnessed a significant increase in the number of tiger and leopard count in recent years, said forest department officials.
“In view of this development, the Union government had, on its own, suggested that Sohelwa sanctuary be converted into a tiger reserve,” V P Singh, Range Forest Officer, told The Indian Express.
The Centre has sanctioned a proposal in this connection submitted by the state government, forest department officials said. The sanctuary, a natural habitat of big cats, was established in early 1980s.
The latest decision is expected to bring development in the area. Singh said: “With the status of tiger reserve, Sohelwa will feature on the international tourist map and this will lead to economic development in the adjoining areas.”
Forest Officer S C Dixit said the main wildlife species found in Sohelwa include tiger, leopard, hyena, langur, monkey, sambhar, cheetal, hog deer, barking deer, wild boar, blue bulls, flying squirrel, jackal, and pythons.
