The Union government has approved the expansion of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal by 1,044 sq km, making it the second-largest tiger reserve in India after the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity:
The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, spread across India and Bangladesh in the delta of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It is renowned for the Royal Bengal Tiger, which has uniquely adapted to mangrove and saline ecosystems. Besides tigers, the area supports estuarine crocodiles, fishing cats, otters, and numerous migratory birds.
Importance of Expansion:
Increasing the reserve’s area provides greater ecological space for tigers and other wildlife, ensuring long-term survival and genetic diversity. Larger protected zones also help reduce poaching and encroachment, while creating buffer areas that minimize human-animal conflict.
Comparison with Other Reserves:
The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana remains India’s largest at about 3,700 sq km. With the latest expansion, Sundarbans ranks second, reinforcing its importance in India’s Project Tiger network.
Socio-Economic Perspective:
Millions of people live around the Sundarbans and rely on fishing, honey collection, and forest resources. While the expansion could restrict access to some zones, it offers long-term socio-economic benefits by promoting eco-tourism, generating employment, and attracting global conservation funding.
Climate Resilience Role:
The Sundarbans acts as a natural shield against cyclones and storm surges, with mangroves absorbing the brunt of tidal waves and reducing coastal damage. Expansion ensures the protection of more mangrove forests, which also play a vital role in carbon sequestration, aligning with India’s climate change commitments.
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