By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
DEHRADUN, 5 Apr: A comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) is being drafted for Corbett Tiger Reserve, one of the country’s foremost tiger habitats, aimed at strengthening tiger conservation efforts over the next decade. The plan encompasses various key aspects, including protection, eco-tourism, wildlife-human conflict management, and infrastructure enhancement.
The forest officials claim that the plan will be implemented after approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Delhi.
Sources however also added that it would take at least around an year to finalise the plan and get it approved from the NTCA and the Centre. Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve Saket Badola shared with the media that the plan lays special focus on tiger protection, prevention of poaching, creating a favourable environment for wildlife, expanding tourism zones, and promoting public participation in conservation initiatives. The plan also intends to address habitat improvement, biodiversity preservation, and better management of forest resources.
A targeted approach has been outlined to conserve tigers and other endangered species, including studying the possibility of opening new tourism zones and reinforcing security measures to curb poaching. Deployment of forest staff is set to be strengthened, with an increase in personnel and better resource allocation. Additionally, a comprehensive strategy is being devised to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, ensuring harmonious coexistence between people and the region’s diverse wildlife.
The TCP also seeks to boost eco-tourism, generating employment opportunities for local communities while promoting environmentally sustainable tourism. Efforts will be focused on grassland restoration, improving habitats for herbivores, and water source conservation within the reserve.
It may be recalled that the previous Tiger Conservation Plan had facilitated the opening of Girija and Dhela tourism zones, as envisioned by the then Corbett Tiger Reserve Director. This precedent underscores the importance of structured conservation plans in shaping future initiatives.
Once the new Tiger Conservation Plan is finalised, it will be submitted to the NTCA for approval. Following clearance, its proposals will be implemented in a phased manner, marking a milestone in tiger conservation efforts. Given Corbett’s high tiger density, this initiative is expected to enhance conservation outcomes significantly.
The plan has garnered support from tourism industry stakeholders, who anticipate improvements in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, boosting local employment, and expanding sustainable tourism ventures. Meanwhile, the adjacent Ramnagar Forest Division has reported unprecedented revenue generation, reinforcing the positive impact of sustainable tourism. In the financial year 2024-25, the division attracted lakh domestic and international tourists, eager to explore Uttarakhand’s biodiversity through jungle safaris.
