MP GETS 9th TIGER RESERVE AT RATAPANI
- On December 2, 2024, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was officially declared a Tiger Reserve.
- This declaration follows the approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- Ratapani is now the 9th Tiger Reserve in the state, marking a significant step towards enhancing tiger conservation efforts and boosting ecological sustainability in the region.
KEY FEATURES
- Location and Area:
- Location: Ratapani Tiger Reserve is situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, within the Vindhya Hills.
- Total Area: The reserve spans 1,271.4 square kilometers, which is divided into:
- Core Area:8 square kilometers
- Buffer Area:6 square kilometers
- Ecological Significance:
- The sanctuary is rich in teak forests and diverse wildlife, making it an ecologically significant area for conservation.
- The reserve also includes the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several historical and religious sites.
- Its proximity to Bhopal, which is less than 50 km away, makes it an easily accessible destination for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
BENEFITS OF DECLARING RATAPANI AS A TIGER RESERVE
- Economic Opportunities for Local Communities:
- The creation of Ratapani as a tiger reserve is expected to boost ecotourism in the region, which will lead to employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
- Local businesses, particularly those related to tourism and wildlife services, are expected to thrive due to increased footfall from tourists and nature lovers.
- Conservation and Management:
- As a designated tiger reserve, Ratapani will receive funding from the NTCA, which will help improve the management and conservation of the area’s wildlife and natural habitat.
- These funds will be allocated towards wildlife protection, maintaining tiger habitats, and promoting biodiversity conservation in the region.
- Support for Local Inhabitants:
- Eco-development programs will be introduced to support the local communities, ensuring that their livelihoods improve in parallel with conservation efforts.
- Development projects in infrastructure and alternative sources of income will benefit local villages located near or within the buffer zone of the reserve.
- Protection of Local Rights:
- The establishment of a buffer zone includes nine revenue villages spanning 947 square kilometers.
- While these villages are part of the reserve’s buffer area, the rights of the local villagers will remain untouched.
- Villagers will continue their usual activities, but with added support for eco-friendly initiatives, aimed at balancing conservation and their traditional livelihoods.
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS
- The notification declaring Ratapani a tiger reserve was issued under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which designates the core area as a critical tiger habitat.
- This declaration is part of the ongoing efforts to protect tiger populations and promote their growth in Madhya Pradesh.
- It will also ensure that conservation strategies are enforced in the region.
MP’s GROWING NETWORK OF TIGER RESERVES
- Ratapani Tiger Reserve is now the 9th Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, a state that has been at the forefront of tiger conservation in India.
- The state is also set to declare Madhav National Park as a tiger reserve in the near future.
- The notification for Madhav is expected within 15 days, further enhancing Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to tiger preservation.
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