Wildlife Conservation is Our Priority, Says Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai

*Tiger Population Doubles in Three Years, From 17 to 35

*15th Meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Welfare Board Held

Raipur
September 9, 2025

The tiger population in Chhattisgarh has doubled in the last three years, rising from 17 in 2022 to 35 in the April 2025 survey. This was disclosed during the 15th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Welfare Board, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the increase and said, “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.” He added that the rise in tiger numbers was evidence of effective conservation and stressed that similar efforts must now be directed towards other species. He noted that areas like Neemgaon in Jashpur, which attracts a large number of migratory birds, should be developed as dedicated conservation sites. “Such initiatives will not only enhance tourism but also generate employment,” he said.

Forest and Climate Change Minister and Board Vice-Chairman Kedar Kashyap said that, along with tigers, other species and their habitats were also witnessing positive changes. “The proposals passed today are in the interest of the people and will help create a peaceful environment while ensuring biodiversity remains unharmed,” he said.

Member Secretary Arun Kumar Pandey, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), presented the department’s achievements and agenda. He informed that the highest number of tigers are in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. As per the decision of the 14th board meeting, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi, has approved the translocation of tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Udanti-Sitanadi and Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserves, which will be completed soon.

Special initiatives are being taken to protect the state bird, the Hill Myna, with a “Myna Mitra” group formed to monitor its habitat. Facilities are being expanded in Tiger Reserves and Kanger Valley National Park to attract tourists, thereby providing livelihood opportunities to nearby villagers while strengthening conservation.

The meeting approved proposals for constructing patrolling routes and rationalizing protected areas. Approvals were also granted for road construction from Dhawalpur to Kukrar under Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Gariaband, pipeline extension under Mission Amrit Yojana, and laying of optical fiber cables in Kabirdham Forest Division to provide internet connectivity. These steps will ensure digital payment facilities under government schemes, enhance socio-economic development of local villagers, and improve information flow for field staff.

Several members shared valuable suggestions for wildlife conservation. Among those present were MLAs Dharmjeet Singh and Chaitram Atami, Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, DGP Arun Dev Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Climate Change) Richa Sharma, Principal Secretary to CM Subodh Kumar Singh, PCCF & HoFF V. Srinivas Rao, Forest Secretary Amarnath Prasad, and other eminent wildlife experts from NGOs.