In a landmark achievement for wildlife preservation, Chhattisgarh's Indravati Tiger Reserve (ITR) has set a new national standard for saving India's critically endangered vultures. The reserve, nestled in one of Central India's most pristine river-forest ecosystems, has transformed from a sanctuary for tigers and wild buffaloes into a vital stronghold for these essential scavengers.
Technology Meets Tradition: Tracking and Protecting Scavengers
The forest department's pioneering initiative employs high-resolution satellite telemetry to monitor vulture movements, a first-of-its-kind project for the state. Data gathered from 2022 to 2025 from two tagged birds has produced an impressive over 18,000 GPS data points. This information reveals that the vultures are active across a massive 10,000-square-kilometre area, regularly travelling between dense forest cover and human habitations.
The programme's success is deeply rooted in community involvement, spearheaded by the "Giddha Mitra Dal" (Friends of Vultures). This volunteer corps, led by regional biologist Suraj Kumar, diligently monitors nesting sites and ensures the safe management of animal carcasses. Their dedicated work has even led to successful vulture breeding in remote locations such as Gudda Sari Gutta.
Vulture Restaurants and Safe Zones: A Blueprint for Coexistence
Under the supervision of ITR deputy director Sundeep Balaga, the reserve has established innovative "vulture restaurants." These are controlled feeding sites where only carcasses certified to be free of toxic Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are provided, following verification by veterinary tests. These centres double as educational hubs, teaching local youth and schoolchildren about the crucial ecological role vultures play as nature's primary scavengers.
The state's leadership, including Chief Minister Sai and Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, has directed the creation of Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) within ITR. These zones are designed to combat major threats like the use of NSAIDs in livestock, unsafe disposal of dead animals, and disruptive human interference.
The Road Ahead: Expansion and Rehabilitation
Deputy Director Balaga is now set to lead the ambitious third phase of this conservation project. The plan includes further satellite tagging of vultures, conducting over 50 awareness programmes, and establishing an extensive 100-kilometre Vulture Safe Zone with active participation from local panchayats. A significant milestone will be the publication of Chhattisgarh's first vulture rehabilitation action plan.
By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional wisdom and grassroots community participation, the Indravati Tiger Reserve showcases how visionary environmental leadership can cultivate a balanced ecosystem. This holistic model proves that the thriving coexistence of wildlife and human communities is not just an ideal, but an achievable reality.
