The Ratapani Sanctuary is on the path to achieving the status of a tiger reserve, with the government taking this initiative seriously. However, significant challenges lie ahead, particularly regarding the relocation of villages within the sanctuary.
Relocation Challenges
- Core Area Villages: The sanctuary houses 32 villages within its core area, making the relocation process a complex and uphill task for forest officials.
- Current Status of Relocation:
- Two villages, Neelgarh and Dhunwani, have agreed to evacuate.
- The forest department has identified land for relocation in Goharganj and Sultanpur.
- Residents from two additional villages have shown preliminary agreement for relocation.
Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, there is optimism regarding the relocation process:
- Gradual Consent: Forest officials believe that, over time, more villagers will agree to relocate in exchange for compensation.
- Notification Requirement: A formal notification is necessary to officially declare the sanctuary as a tiger reserve. This notification is expected by the end of the year.
Tiger Population
- The sanctuary is home to an estimated 70 to 90 tigers, which is deemed sufficient for its designation as a tiger reserve.
- Government Interest: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has shown a keen interest in securing tiger reserve status for Ratapani Sanctuary. He actively queries forest officials about progress during wildlife board meetings.
Evacuation Process
- According to Forest Minister Ramnivas Rawat, the evacuation of villages within the core area will only proceed after obtaining the villagers’ consent.
Sanctuary Accessibility
Due to ongoing rainfall, the administration of Ratapani Sanctuary has decided to extend the opening date for public access by an additional 15 days:
- Road Conditions: The heavy rains have left roads in poor condition, preventing vehicles from entering the sanctuary.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- How many villages are located within the core area of Ratapani Sanctuary?
- A) 15
- B) 25
- C) 32
- D) 40
Answer: C) 32
- Which two villages have agreed to evacuate from Ratapani Sanctuary?
- A) Goharganj and Sultanpur
- B) Neelgarh and Dhunwani
- C) Obedullaganj and Dewas
- D) Ratapani and Obedullaganj
Answer: B) Neelgarh and Dhunwani
- What is needed for Ratapani Sanctuary to be declared a tiger reserve?
- A) Increased tiger population
- B) Formal notification
- C) Evacuation of all villages
- D) Government funding
Answer: B) Formal notification
- How many tigers are estimated to be in Ratapani Sanctuary?
- A) 50 to 60
- B) 70 to 90
- C) 100 to 120
- D) 150 to 180
Answer: B) 70 to 90
- Why was the opening date of Ratapani Sanctuary extended?
- A) Lack of interest from visitors
- B) Poor road conditions due to rain
- C) Ongoing wildlife surveys
- D) Evacuation of villages
Answer: B) Poor road conditions due to rain