Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve: India’s 56th Tiger Reserve

India, home to over 70% of the world’s tiger population, continues to make strides in wildlife conservation with the notification of its 56th tiger reserve, the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. It shares its boundaries with Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the west and Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand to the east. Situated on the Chota Nagpur Plateau and partially extending into the Baghelkhand Plateau, the reserve is contiguous with the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. It serves as the origin of prominent rivers like Hasdeo, Gopad, and Baranga, and acts as the catchment area for smaller rivers and streams, including Neur, Bijadhur, Banas, and Rehand.

The reserve boasts diverse landscapes, dense forests, and waterways, providing critical habitats for tigers and supporting a wide variety of wildlife. According to surveys, it is home to 753 documented species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates.

Chhattisgarh also has other tiger reserves, including Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati Reserves.

Context

India’s tiger conservation journey began with the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, an initiative aimed at saving the national animal from the brink of extinction. Since then, efforts have evolved to create a network of tiger reserves, currently governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These reserves aim to preserve not just tigers but entire ecosystems that support them. The addition of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve underscores India’s commitment to biodiversity preservation and wildlife management.

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How are tiger reserves notified?

Tiger reserves in India are notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, specifically through the provisions of Project Tiger, which is governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The process for notifying a tiger reserve:—

1. Identification of Potential Areas

• The state government, along with the NTCA, identifies potential areas for tiger conservation based on:—
• Habitat quality for supporting a viable tiger population.
• Availability of prey base (natural prey like deer and wild boar).
• Connectivity to other tiger habitats, forming a larger tiger landscape.
• Status of human disturbance, including the extent of human settlements and encroachments.

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2. Proposal by the State Government

• The state government prepares a detailed proposal for notifying an area as a tiger reserve.
• The proposal includes information on:
• The geographic area to be included.
• Current wildlife population status.
• Socioeconomic impacts on local communities.
• Feasibility of tiger conservation in the area.

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3. Approval by the NTCA

• The state government submits the proposal to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which evaluates it based on:
• Scientific criteria for tiger conservation.
• The importance of the area in ensuring tiger population viability.
• Its contribution to the overall tiger conservation landscape in India.

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4. Declaration by the State Government

• Once the NTCA approves the proposal, the state government issues a notification under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, declaring the area as a tiger reserve.
• The notification includes:
• A core area, where human activities are strictly regulated.
• A buffer area, which acts as a transition zone allowing limited human activity.

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5. Management Plan

• The notified tiger reserve is required to have a Tiger Conservation Plan, prepared by the respective state forest department and approved by the NTCA.
• The plan includes:
• Strategies for habitat management.
• Anti-poaching measures.
• Community participation in conservation.

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Legal Basis

The notification of tiger reserves is governed under Sections 38V and 38W of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:—

• Section 38V allows the state government, in consultation with NTCA, to notify tiger reserves.
• Section 38W gives NTCA authority to monitor, approve, and assist in the management of tiger reserves.

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Key Stakeholders

1. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Provides scientific and financial support.
2. State Forest Departments: Responsible for managing the reserve.
3. Local Communities: Involved in eco-development programs to reduce dependence on forest resources.

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About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

Geographical Location and Size

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is located in Chhattisgarh, spanning the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur. With a vast area of 2,829.38 square kilometers, the reserve includes:

• Core/critical tiger habitat: 2,049.2 sq km, comprising the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Buffer zone: 780.15 sq km, offering additional ecological support.

This tiger reserve is the third largest in India, following:—

1. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh)
2. Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam)

Contiguous Tiger Landscapes

The reserve is a crucial addition to India’s landscape approach to tiger conservation:

• It forms a landscape complex of 4,500 sq km with the adjacent Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

It connects with:—

• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the west.
• Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand to the east.

This interconnectivity enhances genetic flow, reduces habitat fragmentation, and supports tiger movement across regions.

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Ecological Significance

(1) Diverse Terrain and Habitats

The reserve, located at the confluence of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and Baghelkhand Plateau, is characterized by:

• Dense forests
• Rivers and streams
• Rich terrains

These features make it ideal for supporting a wide range of flora and fauna, particularly apex predators like tigers.

(2) Rich Biodiversity

A study by the Zoological Survey of India documented:

• 753 species in total, including:
• 365 invertebrates (primarily insects).
• 388 vertebrates, including:
  • 230 bird species
  • 55 mammal species, many of which are threatened.

The region supports a variety of ecosystems, crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

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Tiger Conservation Goals and Achievements

Strengthening Project Tiger

With the addition of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, Chhattisgarh now boasts four tiger reserves, strengthening conservation efforts in the state. These reserves work under the umbrella of Project Tiger, receiving:

• Technical assistance to improve monitoring and management.
• Financial support for habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures.

Landscape Conservation Approach

India’s National Wildlife Plan advocates a landscape approach to conservation, which focuses on preserving interconnected habitats. The inclusion of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla enhances this strategy by:

• Promoting genetic diversity through inter-reserve connectivity.
• Facilitating the natural dispersal of tigers.

Monitoring and Research

The rich biodiversity of the reserve offers opportunities for:

• Detailed ecological research.
• Regular population monitoring of tigers and prey species, critical for effective management.

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Challenges in Tiger Conservation

While the notification of new tiger reserves is a positive step, significant challenges persist:

(1) Habitat Fragmentation

• Increasing human activities like mining and agriculture disrupt tiger corridors, impacting their natural movement.

(2) Human-Wildlife Conflict

• As tiger populations grow and their territories expand, conflicts with local communities become a pressing issue.

(3) Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade

• Tigers are vulnerable to poaching for their body parts, which are in high demand in illegal markets.

(4) Climate Change

• Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns threaten forest ecosystems, impacting prey availability and water sources.

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Steps to Mitigate Challenges

(1) Community Participation

• Engaging local communities in conservation through eco-tourism and employment opportunities.
• Raising awareness about the ecological importance of tigers and wildlife.

(2) Strengthening Anti-Poaching Measures

• Deploying advanced technologies like camera traps and drone surveillance.
• Increasing patrolling and vigilance in vulnerable areas.

(3) Restoration of Corridors

• Identifying and protecting tiger corridors to ensure safe movement between reserves.
• Conducting afforestation programs in degraded areas.

(4) Climate Adaptation Strategies

• Enhancing water management in forest areas.
• Protecting climate-resilient species and habitats.

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Global and National Implications

India’s Leadership in Tiger Conservation

India’s tiger population has increased significantly, from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2023, accounting for over 70% of the global tiger population. The addition of new reserves like Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla reinforces India’s position as a global leader in tiger conservation.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The conservation of tigers aligns with several SDGs, including:

• Life on Land (SDG 15): Protecting ecosystems and preventing biodiversity loss.
• Climate Action (SDG 13): Forest conservation helps mitigate climate change by acting as carbon sinks.

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Future Prospects

The notification of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve highlights the need for long-term planning and sustained efforts in tiger conservation. Key priorities include:

(1) Regular Monitoring

• Conducting periodic surveys to assess tiger populations and habitat health.

(2) Improved Governance

• Strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure efficient management of tiger reserves.

(3) International Collaboration

• Partnering with global organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Global Tiger Forum (GTF) to exchange knowledge and best practices.

(4) Increased Funding

• Allocating more resources for conservation programs, particularly in newly notified reserves.

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InShort of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

Aspect	Details
Tiger Reserve Name	Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
State	Chhattisgarh
Notification	Declared as the 56th Tiger Reserve in India by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with final approval from NTCA in October 2021.
Area	Total: 2,829.38 sq. km ● Core Area: 2,049.2 sq. km ● Buffer Area: 780.15 sq. km
Components	● Guru Ghasidas National Park ● Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary
Geography	● Located in the Chota Nagpur Plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand Plateau. ● Spread across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts.
Connectivity	● Contiguous with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh). ● Connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand).
Significance	● Enhances tiger conservation efforts under Project Tiger. ● Strengthens the landscape approach to conservation with a complex of ~4,500 sq. km.
Biodiversity	● Total species documented: 753 ● Invertebrates: 365 species (mostly insects) ● Vertebrates: 388 species (including 230 birds, 55 mammals).
Rank in Size	3rd largest Tiger Reserve in India after: ● Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh). ● Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam).
Conservation Impact	● Part of India’s *National Wildlife Plan. ● Aims to mitigate *human-wildlife conflicts and promote ecotourism.
Chhattisgarh’s Tiger Reserves	Chhattisgarh now has 4 Tiger Reserves, boosting its contribution to tiger conservation.

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List of All Tiger Reserves in India

Sl No	Tiger Reserve (TR)	State	TR Notification Year	Core Area (sq km)	Buffer Area (sq km)	Total Area (sq km)
1	Bandipur	Karnataka	2007	872.24	584.06	1,456.30
2	Jim Corbett	Uttarakhand	2010	821.99	466.32	1,288.31
–	Amanagarh Buffer (an extension of Jim Corbett TR of Uttarakhand)	Uttar Pradesh	2012	–	80.60	80.60
3	Kanha	Madhya Pradesh	2007	917.43	1,134.36	2,051.79
4	Manas	Assam	2008	526.22	2,310.88	2,837.10
5	Melghat	Maharashtra	2007	1,500.49	1,268.03	2,768.52
6	Palamau	Jharkhand	2012	414.08	715.85	1,129.93
7	Ranthambore	Rajasthan	2007	1,113.36	297.92	1,411.29
8	Simlipal	Odisha	2007	1,194.75	1,555.25	2,750.00
9	Sunderban	West Bengal	2007	1,699.62	885.27	2,584.89
10	Periyar	Kerala	2007	881.00	44.00	925.00
11	Sariska	Rajasthan	2007	881.11	332.23	1,213.34
12	Buxa	West Bengal	2009	390.58	367.32	757.90
13	Indravati	Chhattisgarh	2009	1,258.37	1,540.70	2,799.07
14	Namdapha	Arunachal Pradesh	1987	1,807.82	245.00	2,052.82
15	Nagarjunsagar Sagar	Andhra Pradesh	2007	2,595.72	700.59	3,296.31
16	Dudhwa	Uttar Pradesh	2010	1,093.79	1,107.98	2,201.77
17	Kalakad Mundanthurai	Tamil Nadu	2007	895.00	706.54	1,601.54
18	Valmiki	Bihar	2012	598.45	300.93	899.38
19	Pench	Madhya Pradesh	2007	411.33	768.30	1,179.63
20	Tadoba Andhari	Maharashtra	2007	625.82	1,101.77	1,727.59
21	Bandhavgarh	Madhya Pradesh	2007	716.90	820.03	1,536.93
22	Panna	Madhya Pradesh	2007	576.13	1,021.97	1,598.10
23	Dampa	Mizoram	2007	500.00	488.00	988.00
24	Bhadra	Karnataka	2007	492.46	571.83	1,064.29
25	Pench (MH)	Maharashtra	2007	257.26	483.96	741.22
26	Pakke	Arunachal Pradesh	2012	683.45	515.00	1,198.45
27	Nameri	Assam	2000	320.00	144.00	464.00
28	Satpura	Madhya Pradesh	2007	1,339.26	794.04	2,133.31
29	Anamalai	Tamil Nadu	2007	958.59	521.28	1,479.87
30	Udanti-Sitanadi	Chhattisgarh	2009	851.09	991.45	1,842.54
31	Satkoshia	Odisha	2007	523.61	440.26	963.87
32	Kaziranga	Assam	2007	625.58	548.00	1,173.58
33	Achanakmar	Chhattisgarh	2009	626.19	287.82	914.02
34	Kali	Karnataka	2007	814.88	282.63	1,097.51
35	Sanjay Dhubri	Madhya Pradesh	2011	812.57	861.93	1,674.50
36	Mudumalai	Tamil Nadu	2007	321.00	367.59	688.59
37	Nagarhole	Karnataka	2007	643.35	562.41	1,205.76
38	Parambikulam	Kerala	2009	390.89	252.77	643.66
39	Sahyadri	Maharashtra	2012	600.12	565.45	1,165.57
40	Biligiri Ranganatha Temple	Karnataka	2007	359.10	215.72	574.82
41	Kawal	Telangana	2012	892.23	1,123.21	2,015.44
42	Sathyamangalam	Tamil Nadu	2013	793.49	614.91	1,408.40
43	Mukundara	Rajasthan	2013	417.17	342.82	759.99
44	Nawegaon-Nagzira	Maharashtra	2013	653.67	1241.27	1,894.94
45.	Amrabad	Telangana	2015	2,166.37	445.02	2611.39
46.	Pilibhit	Uttar Pradesh	2014	602.79	127.45	730.25
47.	Bor	Maharashtra	2012	138.12	678.15	816.27
48.	Rajaji	Uttarakhand	2015	819.54	255.63	1075.17
49.	Orang	Assam	2016	79.28	413.18	492.46
50.	Kamlang	Arunachal Pradesh	2017	671.00	112.00	783.00
51.	Srivilliputhur Megamalai	Tamil Nadu	2021	641.86	374.70	1016.57
52.	Ramgarh Vishdhari	Rajasthan	2022	481.9073	1019.9848	1501.8921
53.	Ranipur	Uttar Pradesh	2022	230.31	299.0512	529.3612
54.	Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	2023	1414.006	925.120	2339.12
55.	Dholpur – Karauli Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	2023	599.6406	–	599.6406
56.	Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla	Chhattisgarh	2024	2,049.2	780.15	2,829.38
			TOTAL	45562.2166 sq. km	36002.73 sq. km	81564.9766 sq. km

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Previous Year Question (UPSC 2020)

Largest and Smallest Tiger Reserves in India

Largest Tiger Reserves in India (by Core Area)
Tiger Reserve		State/UT	Area (km2)
1	Nagarjunsagar Srisailam TR	Andhra Pradesh	2596
2	Amrabad TR	Telangana	2166
3	Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla	Chhattisgarh	2,049.2
4	Namdapha TR	Arunachal Pradesh	1808
5	Sunderbans TR	West Bengal	1700
Smallest National Parks in India (by Core Area)
1	Orang TR	Assam	79
2	Bor TR	Maharashtra	138
3	Nameri TR	Assam	200
Largest Tiger Reserves in India (by Total Area)
1	Nagarjunsagar Srisailam TR	Andhra Pradesh	3296
2	Manas TR	Assam	3151
3	Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla TR	Chhattisgarh	2,829.38
Smallest National Parks in India (by Total Area)
1	Nameri TR	Assam	344
2	Orang TR	Assam	492
3	Ranipur WLS-TR	Uttar Pradesh	529

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Conclusion

The notification of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve as India’s 56th tiger reserve is a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity. As a critical addition to the network of protected areas, the reserve will play a pivotal role in enhancing the landscape approach to tiger conservation, promoting ecological balance, and supporting sustainable development. However, to truly secure the future of tigers, India must address existing challenges through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation.

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Daily Mains Practice Questions

UPSC (CSE) Mains Questions on the Tiger Reserve:

1. General Studies Paper I (Regional Analysis)

[Q1.] Compare and contrast the geographical and ecological significance of tiger reserves in the Eastern and Western Ghats. How do they contribute to the overall ecosystem?

2. General Studies Paper II (Policy and Governance)

[Q2.] Evaluate the challenges faced by tiger reserves in India, such as poaching, habitat destruction, and buffer zone conflicts. Suggest policy-level interventions to address these issues.

3. General Studies Paper III (Conservation and Challenges)

• Conservation Significance:

[Q3.] Examine the role of tiger reserves in biodiversity conservation and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict in India. Highlight how the landscape approach strengthens conservation efforts.

• Project Tiger:

[Q4.] Discuss the objectives, achievements, and challenges of Project Tiger since its inception in 1973. How has it contributed to India’s biodiversity conservation strategy?

• Sustainable Development:

[Q5.] Critically analyze the role of tiger reserves in promoting ecotourism. How can ecotourism be aligned with sustainable development goals?

• National and State Contribution:

[Q6.] Discuss the significance of states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka in tiger conservation. How do inter-state conservation efforts enhance the effectiveness of tiger reserves?

• Recent Additions:

[Q7.] Examine the role of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve as a recent addition to India’s conservation map. What challenges and opportunities does it bring to the central Indian landscape?

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FAQs on Tiger Reserves in India

1. What is a Tiger Reserve?

Answer:—

A tiger reserve is a designated area under the Project Tiger initiative, aimed at the conservation of tigers and their habitats. It consists of a core zone (critical for tiger conservation) and a buffer zone (for coexistence and sustainable use).

2. How many tiger reserves are there in India?

Answer:—

As of October 2024, there are 56 tiger reserves in India, with the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh being the most recent addition.

3. What is Project Tiger?

Answer:—

Project Tiger is a flagship conservation program launched in 1973 by the Government of India. It focuses on the preservation of the tiger population through habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and ecological development.

4. Which is the largest tiger reserve in India?

Answer:—

The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, located in Andhra Pradesh, is the largest tiger reserve, covering an area of 3,296.31 sq. km.

5. What are the challenges faced by tiger reserves?

Answer:—

Major challenges include:

• Habitat fragmentation and degradation.
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
• Human-wildlife conflicts in buffer zones.
• Encroachments and infrastructure development.

6. How do tiger reserves contribute to biodiversity conservation?

Answer:—

Tiger reserves act as umbrella conservation areas, protecting not just tigers but also other species of flora and fauna. They maintain ecosystem balance and serve as carbon sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation.

7. What role does ecotourism play in tiger reserves?

Answer:—

Eco-tourism helps generate revenue for conservation and creates awareness among the public. However, it needs careful regulation to avoid disturbing wildlife and damaging habitats.

8. Why is the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve significant?

Answer:—

It is strategically located in the Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh-Jharkhand belt, forming a critical corridor between the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand). This strengthens the landscape approach to conservation.

9. How is India ensuring the protection of its tiger population?

Answer:—

India employs several measures, including:

• Legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Regular tiger censuses and monitoring through technologies like M-STrIPES.
• Strengthening anti-poaching measures and wildlife crime control.

10. What is the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)?

Answer:—

The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 2006. It oversees Project Tiger and provides policy directions for tiger conservation.

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