The Chief Minister of Maharashtra recently appealed to the Union government to rethink the Akola-Khandwa rail line, which currently runs through the Melghat Tiger Reserve. This has brought the spotlight on the Reserve and its significance.
Melghat Tiger Reserve: Location and Landscape
Located in the Melghat Forests of the Amravati district within the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, this singular forest reserve borders Madhya Pradesh in the North and East. The reserve is part of the renowned Satpura-Maikal landscape making it a valuable ecological connection for wildlife.
Historical Importance of the Tiger Reserve
Covering an expanse of 2768.52 sq km, the Melghat Tiger Reserve is among the first nine sites in India that received the vital status of tiger reserves in the year 1973-74. Project Tiger, a conservation initiative launched in 1973, marked the debut of such reserves in the country, with Melghat being the first in Maharashtra to receive this recognition.
Protected Areas within the Melghat Tiger Reserve
The Reserve accommodates several protected regions including the Gugamal National Park and the sanctuaries of Wan, Ambawarba, and Narnala. These areas are specifically designated as safe havens for wildlife due to their ecological importance.
Features of the Melghat Tiger Reserve
The Reserve’s physical structure is predominantly composed of Deccan trap, with basalt in various forms forming the underlying rock pattern. A wide variety of mammalian species inhabit the reserve, such as Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, and Gaur. The vegetation primarily consists of dry deciduous forests, with Teak being the most prominent tree species. The Reserve is also an essential catchment area for the Tapi river systems.
The presence of the Korku tribe adds a significant cultural dimension to the Reserve. Their traditional practices and deep-rooted knowledge about the forest contribute towards maintaining the ecological balance of the Reserve.
Other Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra
Aside from the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra is home to several other significant tiger reserves. These include Tadoba-Andhari, Pench, Sahyadri, Navegaon-Nagzira, and Bor. Each of these reserves has its own unique ecological characteristics and plays a vital role in conserving India’s wild tiger population.
As the government deliberates over the proposed re-alignment of the Akola-Khandwa rail line, the focus remains firmly on preserving the ecological balance and biodiversity of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.