Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | 18 Aug 2025
Why in News?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has reprimanded state authorities for granting permission for the annual Darshan Yatra (to Bandhavgarh Fort) in the core area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, a critical tiger habitat under Project Tiger.
- The core area is the most critical part of a protected area where human activity is typically restricted to protect biodiversity and wildlife.
Key Points
- About: A green activist filed a plea highlighting the negative impact of large-scale pilgrimages on Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's biodiversity, citing issues like bamboo cutting, unsanitary camping, river pollution, and wildlife disturbance, all violating the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Forest Conservation Act (1980), and Environment Protection Act (1986).
- Recommendations: The Madhya Pradesh government has been directed to finalize a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for regulating yatras within three months, while ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife and adherence to the 2012 Project Tiger guidelines in the interim.
- Citing a carrying capacity study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, the NGT recorded that while the terrain could theoretically handle 7,000-8,000 pilgrims, the presence of tigers, elephants and other large animals restricted safe capacity to only 4,000-5,000 visitors.
- The WII recommended entry through vehicles only, online registration a month in advance, and better crowd regulation.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
- Distinct Areas: It is located between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh.
- The park includes Bandhavgarh National Park, Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary (Core Area), and the adjoining Buffer Area, spread across the districts of Umaria, Shahdol, and Katni.
- Majestic Wildlife: It is famous for housing the Royal Bengal Tiger along with other wildlife like Leopards, Wild Dogs, and Gaur.
- Diverse Habitat: The reserve features dense forests, bamboo vegetation, vast grasslands, and perennial streams, offering a rich environment for various species, especially the solitary tiger.
