Chhattisgarh High Court Seeks Reply on Establishment of Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, Learn Why Delay is Occurring?

Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve: The Chhattisgarh High Court has sought a response from the state government within four weeks regarding the notification to designate Guru Ghasidas National Park as a Tiger Reserve. The court emphasized that this is the final opportunity for the state government to act promptly on the matter. This directive came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the issue.

Decline in Tiger Population

The latest figures from the Union Environment Ministry indicate a decline in the tiger population in Chhattisgarh, from 19 to 17 over the past year. Currently, the state has four approved tiger reserves, but only three are operational. Although the Central Government approved the fourth reserve, Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, in 2021, it is yet to be established. The initial proposal to convert Guru Ghasidas National Park into a Tiger Reserve was submitted by the BJP government in 2012.

Proposed reseve is rich in minerals

Despite the approval, the transition has not been completed due to economic concerns. The proposed reserve area is rich in mineral resources and dense forests. Establishing the reserve would necessitate halting mining activities, potentially leading to an economic crisis for the state.

The proposal to merge Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary into a tiger reserve was initially sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) by the previous BJP government of Chhattisgarh in 2012. The NTCA subsequently approved the plan in 2021. 

However, the implementation has been stalled due to existing coal, oil, and methane gas blocks within the reserve area. The State Mineral Department has sought the Center's opinion on this issue, though the final decision rests with the state government.

Potential Impact

If established, the proposed Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve would become the third largest in India by area. According to the director of Guru Ghasidas Park, the process to establish the reserve is ongoing at the state level.

The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between conservation efforts and economic interests, with the state's decision poised to have significant ecological and economic repercussions.