DAMOH: In a significant move, the Central government has greenlit the amalgamation of two wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, paving the way for the establishment of the nation's most extensive tiger reserve covering a vast expanse of 2,300 square kilometres. This momentous decision made on Sunday, marks a pivotal development in India's wildlife conservation efforts.
As per reports, the Union government has formally sanctioned the merger plan, uniting the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary sprawled across Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Raisen districts with the Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Damoh district. A forest department official confirmed the issuance of a notification in this regard.
Officials involved in the initiative have set their sights on making the new tiger reserve fully operational within the upcoming two to three months, signaling a swift implementation of this crucial wildlife conservation project.
Emphasizing the significance of this reserve, MS Uikey, the Forest Divisional Officer in Damoh, highlighted its dual impact on safeguarding the existing tiger population, which presently stands at 16, and catalyzing tourism and economic growth in the region. Uikey underscored the reserve's potential to serve as a magnet for more tigers, augmenting its conservation value substantially.
Uikey further expressed unwavering optimism about the transformative effect this reserve would have on Damoh's development. "This is a substantial boon for Damoh. It will put Damoh on the map across the country. Despite being a part of the backward areas in Bundelkhand, the establishment of this tiger reserve is poised to escalate developmental prospects," remarked the Forest Divisional Officer.
Beyond conservation, the tiger reserve is anticipated to stimulate the local economy by luring both domestic and international tourists, added Uikey, outlining the multifaceted benefits this ambitious project is expected to deliver to the region.
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