By : Neha Dhyani
Updated : Feb 23, 2023, 10:34
Guru Ghasidas National Park, also known as the Sanjay National Park, is a protected reserve located in the Koriya district of the Chhattisgarh. The national park stretches over an area of 1440.71 sq. km. It was once a part of the Sanjay National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
However, after the formation of Chhattisgarh, 60% of the park disembarked in the Koriya district, and thus it was renamed Guru Ghasidas National Park after the name of the Satnami reformist hero of the place, Guru Ghasidas. The national reserve has a scenic landscape with a distinct variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular tourist attraction.
In a recent announcement, the Chhattisgarh Government declared Guru Ghasidas National Park the 4th tiger reserve in the state. With this declaration, the total number of tiger reserves in India increased to 53, and Guru Ghasidas National Park occupied the 53rd position in India's list of tiger reserves.
On 5th October 2021, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved the proposal of the Chattisgarh Government to declare the collective areas of Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. After this declaration, Guru Ghasidas National Park became the fourth tiger reserve in the state of Chhattisgarh. The three other tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh are -
The 11th Technical Committee of the NTCA reviewed the proposal for declaring Guru Ghasidas National Park as a tiger reserve in September. However, the approval was given a month later, under Section 38V(1) of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Wildlife experts of the region acknowledge the government's and the NTCA's decisions to declare the Guru Ghasidas National Park. This is because the Guru Ghasidas National Park provides a corridor between Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, facilitating the movement of tigers between the Bandhavgarh and Palamau Tiger Reserves. Besides, the Guru Ghasidas National Park was the last known habitat of the Asiatic Cheetah, further increasing the significance of the national park as a tiger reserve.
Flora: The Guru Ghasidas National Park comprises subtropical and deciduous forests. The Sakhua or Sal trees are the primary flora species found in the region.
Fauna: The Guru Ghasidas National Park has a distinct and healthy ecosystem where mammals, birds, and reptiles find a natural habitat. The national park is home to tigers, leopards, and jackals. Besides, birds like red-headed vultures, parakeets, and reptiles like the cobra and python are inhabitants of the national park.
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Guru Ghasidas National Park is the 53rd tiger reserve in India and the 4th tiger reserve in Chhatisgarh. The reserve has a wide variety of flora and fauna contributing to the distinct and healthy ecosystem of the region. Besides, the place holds significance due to its location, which provides a perfect corridor facilitating the movement of tigers between Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from its beauty and biodiversity, this park holds importance due to its national significance as a tiger reserve.
The Guru Ghasidas National Park was previously known as Sanjay National Park.
Guru Ghasidas National Park is the 53rd tiger reserve in India.
Apart from Guru Ghasidas National Park, The three other tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh are -
On 5th October 2021, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) declared Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as tiger reserves.
Guru Ghasidas National Park is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh.
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