Ranipur wildlife sanctuary becomes fourth tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has given its nod to the Ranipur wildlife sanctuary in Chitrakoot as a Tiger Reserve.

This will be the fourth tiger reserve in the state to be developed, after Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and Amangarh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the officials of the State Board of Wildlife to develop the Ranipur Tiger Reserve while chairing the 13th meeting of the state Wildlife Board at his residence.

“Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary at Chitrakoot should be developed as a Tiger Reserve. Due to the Ken-Betwa link project, there will be water logging in the Panna Tiger Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh. “With this, the movement of tigers from Panna Tiger Reserve will be towards Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary located in Chitrakoot,” the Chief Minister said in the meeting.

“This is a good opportunity for the state to develop Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve of 630 sq. km,” he said.

Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary, which was founded in 1977, is one of the attractions of Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh. It is spread over 230 km2.

It is the natural habitat of several animals, including Tigers, Leopards, Sloth bears, Sambars, Blackbucks, Peafowl, Spur fowl, Jungle Fowl, Painted partridges, fishing cats, and Chinkaras.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of four wildlife rescue centers in the state.

These rescue centers will be set up in Bahilpurwa, Chitrakoot Forest Division, Hastinapur Meerut Forest Division, Gopalpur Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and Madhavaliya Maharajganj.

The construction work of the rescue centers will be completed in two years.

“The construction work should be done as per the standards in a time-bound manner with transparency.” “Responsibility for construction work should be given to organizations with competent workers, good working styles, and a good record,” Yogi said.

Expressing confidence over “eco-tourism” in the state of Uttar Pradesh: There is immense potential for eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh and, for this, tourism facilities should be developed in every district by selecting eco-tourism-friendly destinations under the “One District-One Destination” scheme.

“For this, the Department of Tourism, Forest and Wildlife should work with mutual coordination.” “Wide publicity should be ensured for these places to attract tourists,” he added.

At the board meeting, the development of a night safari and a state-of-the-art zoo in the Kukrail forest area of Lucknow district has also been approved.

The state government will prepare an action plan jointly by the Forest, Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works Departments.

“This night safari will be the first night safari in the country and the state-of-the-art zoo will provide an attractive destination for nature, wildlife lovers, and tourists,” Yogi said.