In August 2025, the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) approved a major expansion of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal, increasing its size by 1,044.68 square kilometres. This decision makes STR the second-largest tiger reserve in India, with a total area of 3,629.57 square kilometres, surpassed only by Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Exchange of Approval and New Areas
Led by the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) has approved a proposal by the state government to include three tiger-inhabited ranges- Matla, Raidighi, and Ramganga ranges- of the South 24 Parganas district. The relocation, which was brought-on-board after seeking prior permission of the NTCA and state wildlife board, is meant to consolidate discontinued tiger habitats to one management structure.
History and Proposal
The move to expand had been in talks since almost 20 years with the beginnings somewhere in 2005-06. The proposal was rejuvenated in 20222 23 by the director of Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve and was notified to NBWL in 2024 after much consultation.
Conservation Benefits
This growth will greatly boost tiger conservation since it will help in the better execution of guidelines provided by NTCA, the attraction of more funds and improvements to manage in general. The present day population of tigers is estimated to be 101 and thus there is a hope with the population increase and better infrastructure and human resource.
Nemesis and Worries
The prospects are good, but challenges exist. The current situation in the reserve is that 40 percent of its planned manpower are working, but has to deal with financial and operational constraints. The local fishing communities have shown complaints on the effects it will have on their livelihood, although the government has assured of the affected areas as the buffer zones and that the needs of the fishermen will be taken into account.
Importance and Plans of Action
It is the Sundarbans and the largest mangrove forest worldwide a unique critical tiger habitat. It is the growth that will enhance the biodiversity conservation and the growth to enhance eco-tourism. Nonetheless, in the long run, the success of this ecological strategy will rely on combining ecological initiatives and objectives with the local communities needs and their involvement in planning activities.
Month: Current Affairs - August 25, 2025
Category: current affairs daily