The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has officially been designated as India’s 56th tiger reserve, as announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav. This new reserve spans an impressive 2,829 square kilometers and will play a crucial role in tiger conservation efforts across the country.
Located across multiple districts—Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur—the reserve consists of a core tiger habitat of 2,049.2 square kilometers, which includes the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve also features a buffer area of 780.15 square kilometers.
This makes the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve the third-largest tiger reserve in India, following the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam. It is the latest addition to India’s network of protected habitats, reinforcing the country’s commitment to tiger conservation.
The reserve is strategically linked to other significant reserves, including Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the north, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to the west, and Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand to the east. This interconnected network forms a nearly 4,500 square kilometer landscape complex that promotes effective conservation efforts.
Encompassing diverse terrains such as dense forests, rivers, and streams, the reserve supports a wide range of wildlife. It is home to 753 documented species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates. Among these are 230 bird species and 55 mammal species, many of which are classified as threatened.
With this notification, Chhattisgarh now hosts four tiger reserves, enhancing the region’s ability to protect the tiger population through ongoing support from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Project Tiger initiative. This step further solidifies India’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity and ensuring the survival of the Bengal tiger.
