Renowned Tiger Expert Leads Discussions on Barnawapara Sanctuary Conservation
RaipurA significant meeting was convened on Friday to discuss the conservation and monitoring of a tiger roaming within Barnawapara Sanctuary and its surrounding forest areas. Chaired by Sudhir Kumar Agrawal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Wildlife Warden of Chhattisgarh, the session saw the participation of renowned tiger conservation expert and retired IFS officer R. Srinivas Murthy, celebrated for his tenure as the Field Director at Panna Tiger Reserve. Also present was Divisional Forest Officer Mayank Agrawal from Baloda Bazaar Division.During his visit on June 26 and 27, 2024, Murthy meticulously reviewed the sanctuary, emphasizing the safety and continuous monitoring of the tiger. He conducted meetings with officials and staff, offering guidance on the monitoring and protection of the tiger as it roams through the sanctuary and adjacent forest areas. Murthy conducted an extensive exploration of the tiger’s habitat and recommended the installation of a “radio collar” for future tracking purposes.Murthy highlighted the suitability of Barnawapara Sanctuary and its neighboring forest areas as ideal habitats for tigers, boasting abundant prey and water sources crucial for their survival and movement. He imparted essential training on tiger monitoring to all staff members, encompassing teams from Balodabazar, Devpur, and Baladakchar forest ranges.The ongoing efforts in the Balodabazar Forest Division received accolades for their tiger conservation initiatives, including proposals to introduce four Kumki elephants to enhance monitoring and ensure the safety of both the public and the tiger.Murthy’s remarkable achievement from 2009 to 2015 in increasing Panna’s tiger population from 0 to 32 underscores his significant contributions to tiger conservation and population growth. Currently, the Panna Tiger Reserve is home to approximately 90 tigers, reflecting his enduring impact in the field.Meanwhile, PCCF Agrawal conducted a thorough review of the conservation and protection efforts for the tiger observed in Barnawapara Sanctuary and adjoining forest areas from March 7 to June 27, 2024.
