The number of tigers in the state has doubled in the last three years. While the number of tigers was recorded 17 in the survey of 2022, it increased to 35 in April 2025. This achievement came out in the 15th meeting of Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Welfare Board held on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the increase in the number of tigers is a proof that meaningful efforts have been made in the direction of wildlife conservation in the state. He said that the government is giving top priority to the preservation and promotion of wildlife. Our state is rich in forest and wild wealth and it is our responsibility to protect them.
Protection and promotion of wildlife our priority: Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that it is satisfactory to reach the number of tigers from 17 to 35 in three years. He instructed the officials that a concrete action plan should also be prepared in the direction of conservation of other wildlife. Referring to Neemgaon in Jashpur district, the Chief Minister said that a large number of migratory birds come here. Necessary action should be taken for conservation of migratory birds. Similarly, tourism can be promoted by identifying other areas. This will not only protect biodiversity but will also create employment opportunities for the local people. He said that conservation and promotion of wildlife is our priority.
Ensure that wildlife does not harm: Kedar
In the meeting, the board vice-president and forest minister Kedar Kashyap said that along with tigers, the number of other wildlife has also increased. The state government is constantly making efforts to improve their habitats and conserve. In the coming time, more positive results will be revealed. He said that the proposals passed today are extremely important for the public interest and will ensure that wildlife and biodiversity do not suffer any kind of damage.
The process of translocation of tigers also soon
Member Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey said that most tigers in the state are found in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. He said that the process of translocation of tigers in Udanti-Sitanadi and Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingala Tiger Reserve will also be completed soon. For this, permission has been received from the National Conservation Authority, New Delhi.
He also informed that forests brought from Assam are being protected to increase the number of state animals forest. Similarly, a group called “Maina Mitra” is active for the state bird hill myna, which is monitoring their protection and habitat.
Possibility of tourism and employment
It was decided in the meeting that facilities for tourists will be developed in the Tiger Reserve and Kanger Valley National Park. This will not only strengthen wildlife protection but will also provide employment to the people of nearby villages.
In the meeting, several proposals were approved keeping in mind the wildlife conservation and promotion. This includes Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, Road Construction work from Dhawalpur to Kukrarband, pipeline expansion under Mission Amrit Yojana and permission to lay optical fiber cables for internet facility in Kawardha forest division under Mission Amrit Yojana. The Chief Minister said that this will give mobile and internet connectivity to the villagers living in forest areas. Digital payment facility will be available and socio-economic development will get a new direction.
Experts gave suggestions
Many senior officials and experts including MLAs Dharmajit Singh and Chaitram Atami were present in the meeting. Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Climate Change) Richa Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Srinivasa Rao was also present. Experts made several important suggestions for wildlife conservation and promotion. It was given a clear message along with the proposals passed in the meeting that the Government of Chhattisgarh is fully committed to the safety and promotion of wildlife.
