Chhattisgarh tiger population doubles from 17 to 35 in three years, government vows wildlife protection

Chhattisgarh tiger population doubles from 17 to 35 in three years, government vows wildlife protection

Chhattisgarh has witnessed a remarkable rise in its tiger population, doubling from 17 in 2022 to 35 by April 2025, officials confirmed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Announcing the development during the 15th meeting of the State Wildlife Welfare Board, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the growth as proof of effective conservation efforts, which his government has prioritized.

The state is home to four tiger reserves: Indravati (Bijapur district), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband-Dhamtari), Achanakmar (Mungeli), and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, which spans the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts. Among these, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve hosts the largest number of tigers in Chhattisgarh, according to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey, who shared the update during the 15th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Welfare Board chaired by the CM.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has approved the translocation of tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Udanti-Sitanadi and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla reserves, a process expected to be completed soon.

Conservation efforts are not limited to tigers. The state is actively working to boost populations of wild buffaloes, brought in from Assam, and protect the state bird, the Hill Myna, through a “Myna Mitra” monitoring initiative.

To support wildlife protection while promoting tourism, facilities in tiger reserves and Kanger Valley National Park are being expanded, creating livelihood opportunities for local communities. CM Sai emphasized that similar attention must now be given to conserving other species.

“Conservation and promotion of wildlife is our priority. Chhattisgarh is rich in forest wealth and wildlife, and the government is fully committed to protecting and developing it,” Sai said.

He also highlighted Neemgaon in Jashpur, a hotspot for migratory birds, urging its development as a dedicated conservation site to enhance tourism and generate employment.

Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap noted that populations of other wild animals are also rising, and initiatives are underway to enhance their habitats. The board approved proposals for constructing patrolling routes, rationalizing protected areas, improving roads in Udanti-Sitanadi, extending pipelines under Mission Amrit Yojana, and laying optical fibre cables in Kabirdham Forest Division to provide internet connectivity.

Chhattisgarh’s success reflects broader national efforts to protect wildlife, showing that dedicated conservation strategies can produce tangible results.

(With inputs from PTI)