Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Expansion
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) is set to become India’s second-largest tiger sanctuary. A proposal to expand the reserve by 1,100 sq km has reached the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This expansion will increase the reserve’s area from 2,585.89 sq km to 3,629.57 sq km. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already granted technical clearance. The final approval now rests with the Standing Committee of the National Wildlife Board (NWLB).
Background and Current Status
The expansion proposal includes three forest ranges in South 24-Parganas – Raidighi, Matla, and Ramganga. Once incorporated, the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve will be second only to Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in size. The NTCA and NWLB are both chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The proposal is expected to be discussed in the NWLB’s upcoming meetings.
Significance of Expansion
The expansion aims to improve tiger management by unifying the core and buffer forest areas. It will facilitate better patrolling and monitoring of tiger populations. Central funding and resources for conservation efforts are expected to increase. The move is also intended to strengthen the ecological integrity of the mangrove forest ecosystem.
Historical Context
The idea of expanding STR to include adjoining forest areas dates back nearly two decades. Initial efforts in 2005-06 stalled but were revived in 2022-23 by a committee led by the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve director. The integration was recommended to enhance ecological and administrative coherence.
Conservation Community Response
Forest officials and wildlife experts have welcomed the expansion. They view it as a long-overdue step for better tiger conservation. The latest tiger census estimates 101 tigers in the region, with 80 inside the current STR and 21 in adjacent forests. Conservationists expect the tiger population to rise with improved management.
Concerns of Local Communities
Small-scale fishers in the region have expressed concerns about potential livelihood losses. They fear that expansion could lead to stricter restrictions on fishing activities. Representatives of fishers claim there was no prior consultation with local communities. Forest officials have reassured that fishing rights and activities will remain unchanged.
Government Initiatives
On Global Tiger Day 2025, the government announced a programme to plant 100,000 saplings across all tiger reserves. This reflects a broader commitment to expanding and strengthening tiger habitats nationwide. The number of tiger reserves in India has increased from 46 in 2014 to 58 by 2025.
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