Chhattisgarh’s tiger population has surged from 17 in 2022 to 35 by April 2025, marking a remarkable doubling in just three years, according to state officials. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, speaking at the 15th Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Welfare Board meeting on September 9, hailed the increase as a testament to the state’s robust conservation efforts, which he emphasized as a top priority.
The state is home to four tiger reserves: Indravati (Bijapur), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband-Dhamtari), Achanakmar (Mungeli), and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla (spanning Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur). Achanakmar leads with the highest tiger count, as reported by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has approved tiger translocation from Madhya Pradesh to Udanti-Sitanadi and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, with implementation expected soon.
Beyond tigers, conservation efforts are expanding to other species. The population of the state animal, the wild buffalo, is growing with individuals brought from Assam, while the state bird, the Hill Myna, is being protected through the “Myna Mitra” initiative to monitor its habitat. Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap noted an increase in other wildlife populations, with ongoing efforts to enhance their habitats.
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To boost eco-tourism and local livelihoods, facilities are being upgraded in tiger reserves and Kanger Valley National Park. The CM highlighted areas like Neemgaon in Jashpur, a hub for migratory birds, for development as conservation sites to drive tourism and employment. The board also approved infrastructure projects, including patrolling routes, road construction in Udanti-Sitanadi, pipeline extensions under Mission Amrit Yojana, and optical fiber connectivity in Kabirdham Forest Division.
“Chhattisgarh’s rich forest wealth and wildlife are our pride, and we are committed to their protection and development,” Sai stated, underscoring the government’s resolve to extend conservation efforts to diverse species while fostering sustainable tourism.
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