The long-pending proposal of developing safari in core area of three tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh is likely to see the light of the day. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) have given final nod for safari development in Kanha Tiger Reserve. In wake of rising incidents involving territorial fights among stripped animals, especially in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, there was clamour for setting up safari. Last year around six tigers died in territorial fight alone in Bandhavgarh.

 

Final draft of safari in Bandhavgarh and Pench Tiger Reserves will be shortly sent to the NTCA and CZAI for further approval. The safari area at all three tiger reserves will be covering 50 to 100 hectare of land. It would cost around Rs 18 crore on each safari. The department has proposed to keep 3 to 4 tigers in each safari.

 

Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Alok Kumar, APCCF, said, “We have final approval of CZAI and NTCA for Kanha and soon proposal for Bandhavgarh and Pench will be sent. The project was proposed about four years back. Development work in Kanha will begin from January 2021.” He further informed that tiger takes about 20 km of area for territory. But rising population of stripped animal is overlapping the core area of tiger reserves.

 

After making safari, partial control will be set up over territorial fight of tigers and this would also help in wildlife conservation. Main focus of safari will be there to do treatment of rescued tigers and take care of old animals.