Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

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Context

• The Chhattisgarh government has declared its plan to establish a new tiger reserve, marking it as the fourth such reserve in the forest-rich State.
• At present, Chhattisgarh is home to three tiger reserves: Indravati in Bijapur district, Udanti-Sitanadi in Gariaband, and Achanakmar in Mungeli.

The New Reserve

• The new reserve, named Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, will integrate the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary.
• It spans across the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur, covering an area of 2,829.387 square kilometers.

Approval and Recommendations

• The decision to create the new tiger reserve followed recommendations from the State Wildlife Board and received concurrence from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Impact on Eco-Tourism and Employment

• The formation of this tiger reserve is expected to promote eco-tourism in the State and generate employment opportunities for local villagers residing in the core and buffer zones.
• Positions may include roles as guides, tourist vehicle operators, and resort managers.
• Furthermore, the National Project Tiger Authority will allocate additional funds for the reserve’s operations, supporting new livelihood development projects in the surrounding villages.

SOURCE: THE HINDU