In a significant development for wildlife conservation and tourism, Madhya Pradesh is set to expand its tiger reserve network to include Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as its 8th tiger reserve. The proposal to elevate Ratapani to tiger reserve status has received crucial approval from the state-level wildlife board, headed by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The next step involves sending the proposal to the central government for final clearance.
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, which received in-principle approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2011, is poised to become the state’s eighth tiger reserve. According to forest department officials, if all goes as planned, the formal notification could be issued within two months. This decision holds particular significance as it will make Bhopal the second major city, after Nagpur, to host a tiger reserve with close proximity to an airport.
Shubhranjan Sen, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), MP, confirmed the approval, highlighting the long-standing efforts since 2008 to secure this status for Ratapani. The sanctuary is currently home to a diverse wildlife population, including 56 tigers, 70 leopards, and a total of 3,123 wild animals as per the latest census.
The transformation of Ratapani into a tiger reserve is expected to have manifold benefits. It will enhance tourism opportunities, boosting the local economy and providing employment to residents through hospitality ventures like hotels, resorts, and homestays. The move is also anticipated to raise Bhopal’s profile on the international tourism map, attracting visitors from across the globe.
Financially, the tiger reserve status will be supported with 60% of funding from the central government and 40% from the state. This allocation is intended to strengthen wildlife security, improve management of sanctuary resources, and facilitate easier implementation of various forest-related schemes.
The decision has been lauded for not only conserving wildlife but also for its potential to promote local cultural heritage and biodiversity. With Ratapani poised to join the prestigious league of tiger reserves, Madhya Pradesh is poised to further cement its reputation as a leading destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
