The state government has announced the expansion of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) by 78.79 square kilometers, now known as the Extended Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. This brings the core area of TATR to 704 square kilometers, enhancing habitat for tigers in Chandrapur district.

Wildlife officials welcome this addition, highlighting its ecological significance for accommodating a growing tiger population. The new sanctuary includes parts of Karwa village, which has long faced human-wildlife conflict due to its proximity to dense forests.

The government offers a relocation package of Rs 15 lakh per family to residents, enabling voluntary relocation—a critical step given that the village was previously outside the reserve’s boundaries. The expanded sanctuary features diverse habitats, including bamboo clusters, supporting not just tigers but also gaurs and other herbivores.

Recent surveys have indicated that TATR is home to 93 tigers, with the population stabilizing as the park has reached its carrying capacity. The relocation of Karwa village is seen as a crucial step toward maintaining this balance, as it would ensure a human-free buffer zone of 10 kilometers.

This expansion is vital for the long-term conservation of tigers in the Tadoba range. By creating a larger, protected habitat, it helps reduce human-tiger conflicts, ensuring both the safety of local communities and the well-being of the tiger population. As the park approaches its carrying capacity, this additional space will facilitate healthier ecosystems and support biodiversity, essential for sustaining tiger numbers in a changing environment.