State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 14 May 2025

Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News? 

In the Kawardha range of Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary, bear attacked victims while they were collecting tendu leaves. 

 Key Points 

• Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary: 
  • About: 
    • Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh. 
    • It lies within the Maikal range of the Satpura hills, known for its rich biodiversity and undisturbed ecosystem. 
    • The sanctuary spreads across an area of approximately 352 sq.km. 
  • Cultural Significance: 
    • Named after the ancient Bhoramdeo Temple, located nearby and over 1,000 years old. 
    • The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly referred to as the "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh" due to its intricate sculptures. 
  • Ecological Importance: 
    • Bhoramdev is part of the Kanha-Achanakmar Wildlife Corridor, linking Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) with Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (Chhattisgarh). 
    • The terrain includes undulating hills, dense forests, and seasonal streams. 
  • Water Bodies: 
    • The sanctuary is the origin point of the Fen and Sankari rivers, which sustain its forest ecosystem. 
  • Vegetation: 
    • Hosts a mix of tropical moist and dry deciduous forests. 
    • Common trees include Saaj (Terminalia tomentosa), Sal (Shorea robusta), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), and Nilgiri (Eucalyptus). 
  • Wildlife: 
    • Inhabited by a diverse range of fauna such as Tigers, Leopards, Sloth bears, various deer species and birdlife. 

 Kanha National Park 

• Location:  
  • It stretches over an area of 940 square km in the two districts - Mandla and Balaghat - of Madhya Pradesh. 
• History:  
  • The present-day Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon and Banjar. 
  • It was created in 1955 and in 1973 was made the Kanha Tiger Reserve. 
  • Kanha National Park is the largest National Park in Central India. 
• Features: 
  • Fauna: 
    • The State animal of Madhya Pradesh - Hard Ground Barasingha (Swamp deer or Rucervus duvaucelii) is found exclusively in Kanha Tiger Reserve. 
    • Other Species found include Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, Bear, Gaur and Indian Python etc. 
  • Flora: 
    • It is best known for its evergreen Sal forests (Shorea Robusta). 
    • It is the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”. 

 Achanakmar Tiger Reserve 

• About: 
  • It is situated in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Established in 1975 and was declared a tiger reserve in 2009. 
  • It is part of the huge Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. 
  • It has a corridor connecting Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and plays a critical role in the dispersal of tigers among these reserves. 
• River: 
  • The Maniyari River flows right from the centre of this reserve, which is the forest's lifeline. 
• Tribe: 
  • It is home to the Baigas, a forest-dwelling tribal community classified as a “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)”. 
  • In 626 hectares of the core area of the reserve, there are 25 forest villages, with approximately 75% of the population belonging to the Baiga tribe. 
• Vegetation: 
  • Tropical moist deciduous vegetation covers the majority of the area. 
• Flora: 
  • Sal, bija, saja, haldu, teak, tinsa, dhawara, lendia, khamar, and bamboo bloom along with other 600 species of medicinal plants. 
• Fauna: 
  • It includes the tiger, leopard, bison, flying squirrel, Indian giant squirrel, chinkara, wild dog, hyena, sambar, chital, and over 150 species of birds.