Forest Department officials have revived plans to establish a tiger enclosure in the Nallamala–Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) for injured, abandoned and orphaned tiger cubs. The project, first proposed two years ago, had stalled after initial work. It will now be restarted with an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh. The enclosure is intended to provide temporary care, nourishment and recovery support before young tigers are released back into the wild.
Project Location and Land Use
A suitable site of about 15 hectares has been identified at Peddapenta locality in the Pedda Mantanala beat of the Korraprolu range. The location is within the tiger reserve landscape and is expected to support both a nursery enclosure and a larger rehabilitation area. The site selection aims to ensure controlled care while keeping the animals within a natural forest setting.
Care Plan for Tiger Cubs
The project will begin with a 400-square-metre nursery enclosure. Injured cubs and young tigers will first be kept there for close monitoring, feeding and medical support. After recovery, they will be moved to the larger 15-hectare enclosure. The final release into the wild will depend on the health and strength of each animal.
Study of Other Tiger Facilities
Forest officials visited tiger enclosures at Kanha and Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh before finalising the plan. The visits were meant to study enclosure design, care standards and management practices. Such facilities are important for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation in tiger-bearing landscapes.
Significance for Tiger Conservation
The enclosure is expected to strengthen conservation efforts in NSTR by improving survival chances for vulnerable tiger cubs. It may also help reduce mortality among orphaned or injured cubs found in the reserve. The project reflects a structured approach to wildlife rescue and post-rescue care.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026