Udanti Sitanadi tiger reserve
Why in news?
Forest authorities in Chhattisgarh's Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve recently arrested 53 individuals for illegal encroachment on protected forest land. This action targeted attempts to clear land and cut trees in the reserve's catchment area, particularly in elephant and leopard habitats.
Location & Establishment
- Situated in Gariaband and Dhamtari districts, Chhattisgarh.
- Created by merging Udanti & Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuaries in 2008–09.
- Lies about 160 km from Raipur; nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur.
- Part of the Mahanadi river basin.
- Rivers: Mahanadi (main), Udanti, Sitanadi, Indravan, Pairi
Flora and Fauna
- Forests mix Sal with moist deciduous types, hosting Asiatic wild buffalo as a flagship endangered species.
- Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, and mouse deer thrive amid challenges like low tiger density.​
Conservation Challenges
- Left-wing extremism in the "Red Corridor" hinders protection and monitoring efforts. Community initiatives like Charwaha Sammelans and CFR rights aid local involvement.
- It links to Indravati Tiger Reserve, boosting genetic diversity.​
Governance & Tribal Rights
- Thousands of tribals live in villages inside the core area.
- They demand recognition of Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights under Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- Reserve follows core-buffer strategy:
- Core area: National Park/sanctuary status.
- Buffer area: Mixed-use (forest + non-forest land).
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