Wardha's Bor Tiger Reserve Expands with New Safari Gates
Two new safari gates opened at the Bor Tiger Project in Wardha on Thursday. Wardha guardian minister Pankaj Bhoyar inaugurated the Rahati and Dhaga gates. He emphasized that this development will strengthen tourism in the region.
Boosting Tourism and Local Livelihoods
Minister Bhoyar stated that the tiger reserve will now offer tourists a much better wildlife experience. He highlighted the project's potential to create business and employment opportunities for local residents. "The Bor Tiger Reserve will provide good tourism opportunities," Bhoyar said. "Along with conservation of biodiversity, it will give a boost to businesses and generate employment for locals."
He explained that the initiative aims to protect the area's rich biodiversity while simultaneously supporting the local economy. The new gates are expected to attract more visitors, which in turn should stimulate growth in related services and enterprises.
Village Rehabilitation Plans Approved
Bhoyar also announced plans for rehabilitating villages located in the buffer zone of the reserve. The rehabilitation will follow the model previously used for Navargaon village. Specifically, the villages of Methiraji, Umarvihori, Yenidodka, Markasur, and Garamsur will be resettled in a similar manner.
"Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved rehabilitation along with approximately Rs100 crore for this purpose," Bhoyar confirmed. He added that better civic facilities would be developed at the new rehabilitation sites. Residents will also receive support to start enterprises linked to the tiger reserve, ensuring they benefit from the tourism growth.
Officials Emphasize Balanced Development
MP Amar Kale welcomed the project as a positive beginning for tourism in Wardha district. He urged the state government to also focus on developing nearby tourism destinations such as Kaundanyapur and Sewagram. Kale pointed out a growing concern: farmland around the reserve is increasingly being left fallow due to wildlife movement. He called on the forest department to plan effective solutions to address this issue.
MLA Sumit Wankhede acknowledged that the Bor Tiger Reserve would increase tourism and employment. However, he stressed that protecting citizens is just as important as protecting the environment. Wankhede said the forest department should proactively address issues related to grazing and water access for livestock owners in the area.
Strategic Expansion of Reserve Access
Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Srinivas Reddy provided context on the reserve's expansion. He noted that earlier, the core area of the Bor sanctuary had only two gates: Bor and Adegaon. "After the area was declared a buffer zone, Rahati and Dhaga gates were opened," Reddy explained.
He confirmed that this strategic expansion will significantly increase tourism opportunities and employment for locals. Development planning is already underway for the five villages slated for rehabilitation in the expanded buffer area. The overall vision combines conservation with community development, aiming for sustainable growth in the Wardha region.
