In a unique educational shift, children living on the edges of the Navegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Chandrapur are now learning vital lessons in forest conservation and wildlife coexistence not from textbooks, but through direct, immersive experiences in the wilderness itself. This groundbreaking initiative, launched by the reserve authorities, is transforming the forest into a dynamic classroom for the younger generation.
Chitampallichi Nisarg Shala: The Forest as a Classroom
The programme, named 'Chitampallichi Nisarg Shala', was rolled out in October 2025. It specifically targets students from selected zilla parishad schools located within the reserve's buffer zone. The core idea is to move beyond theoretical knowledge and shape ecological awareness through firsthand experience. "The idea is to ensure that children living closest to forests understand their value and develop respect for wildlife from an early age," explained Pritamsingh Kodale, deputy director of the Navegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve. He emphasized that when learning happens in the forest, conservation becomes a personal commitment rather than an abstract concept.
The curriculum is structured around monthly learning modules that blend classroom interactions with extensive field exposure. Key topics covered include:
- The fundamentals of the Navegaon–Nagzira ecosystem.
- Core principles of human-wildlife coexistence.
- Identification of local mammals, animal signs, and diverse birdlife.
- The importance of wetlands and preparatory aspects of conducting forest safaris.
To ensure scientific accuracy and deep community connect, the programme is being implemented by forest educators in collaboration with local conservation groups: Save Ecosystem and Tiger, Hirwal Sanstha, and Gondia Nisarg Mandal.
From Theory to Reality: The Transformative Forest Safari
A cornerstone of this nature education initiative is the organized forest safari, designed to translate classroom lessons into lived, memorable experiences. During a recent safari on Friday at the Koka Wildlife Sanctuary under NNTR, students had the extraordinary opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Their sightings included sloth bears, leopards, peacocks, and a variety of bird species. This direct encounter served as a powerful reinforcement of their lessons on biodiversity, conservation ethics, and ecological balance. For many young participants, complex ideas about conservation suddenly became tangible and real, fostering a deeper, more personal connection to the forest they call their neighbor.
Building a Legacy of Stewardship
Officials behind the programme believe it will have a profound long-term impact. By empowering the young residents of the buffer zone with knowledge, sensitivity, and a sense of shared responsibility, the initiative aims to nurture an informed and responsible generation. This generation will be uniquely equipped to coexist with wildlife in a landscape where human settlements and forests are intricately linked.
The ultimate goal is to strengthen community stewardship of the forests, ensuring that conservation efforts are rooted in the understanding and commitment of those who live alongside these precious ecosystems. The 'Chitampallichi Nisarg Shala' is more than just a school programme; it's an investment in a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.
