Now Madhya Pradesh’s tigers will roar in neighbouring states.In response to requests from the governments of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Odisha, the Madhya Pradesh government has agreed to shift 15 tigers to these neighboring states.
Chhattisgarh will get two tigers and six tigresses, while Rajasthan will receive four tigresses, and Odisha will get one tiger and two tigresses.
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department confirmed that the tigers will be shifted from Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha Tiger Reserves. These reserves currently have more tigers than their carrying capacity. The big cats will be shifted under the supervision of a veterinary team to ensure the animals’ well-being.
Notably all three recipient states are ruled by the BJP, and they have long sought tigers from Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Tiger State’ due to its high tiger population.
The transfer process will begin only after obtaining approval from the Central government. Madhya Pradesh’s PCCF Wildlife, Shubhoranjan Sen, said that the Forest Department will submit a proposal for the transfer under the National Tiger Conservation framework.
Besides, the states receiving the tigers will cover the entire cost of the transfer, and they must secure permission from the Government of India. Special measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of the tigers during this process.
Currently, Chhattisgarh’s Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is home to 12 tigers, while Indravati Tiger Reserve has 10 big cats. Other reserves, such as Barnawapara Sanctuary, Bhoramdev Sanctuary, and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, have also confirmed the presence of tigers. With this transfer, Chhattisgarh will soon welcome eight more tigers from Madhya Pradesh.
