1. Overview
Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingala Tiger Reserve is a protected area in Chhattisgarh, India. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2021, becoming the fourth tiger reserve of the state, after Achanakmar, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Indravati Tiger Reserves. It is located in the northern part of Chhattisgarh and is known for its rich biodiversity and dense forests.
2. Location & Geography
State: Chhattisgarh
Districts Covered: Koriya and Surguja
Total Area: Approximately 2,499.08 sq. km
Type of Forest: Tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests
The reserve is located in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region and acts as a corridor between Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Jharkhand’s Palamau Tiger Reserve.
3. History & Formation
The area was previously part of the Sanjay National Park, which was later split between Madhya Pradesh (Sanjay National Park) and Chhattisgarh (Guru Ghasidas National Park).
The Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary were combined to form the Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingala Tiger Reserve in 2021.
It was named after Guru Ghasidas, a social reformer and spiritual leader of the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh.
4. Flora & Fauna
Flora
The reserve consists of sal forests, bamboo groves, grasslands, and mixed deciduous forests.
Major tree species include sal, tendu, mahua, saja, arjun, and teak.
Fauna
Mammals:
Tigers (Panthera tigris) – Not in high numbers but observed
Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs (Dholes)
Indian Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer
Striped Hyenas, Jackals, and Indian Wolves
Birds: The region is rich in avian diversity, including peafowls, hornbills, parakeets, eagles, and vultures.
Reptiles: Includes cobras, pythons, monitor lizards, and various other snake species.
5. Significance & Importance
Acts as a wildlife corridor between Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand).
Provides an ideal habitat for tigers, enhancing tiger conservation efforts in central India.
Rich in biodiversity and home to many endangered species.
6. Tourism & Accessibility
The reserve is still developing for tourism, and entry regulations are controlled by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department.
Nearest City: Ambikapur (Surguja district)
Nearest Railway Station: Baikunthpur Road Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur
7. Conservation Challenges
Poaching & Illegal Hunting: Wildlife is at risk due to illegal activities.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Local communities face conflicts with predators like leopards.
Deforestation & Encroachment: Expanding agriculture and human settlements threaten the forest ecosystem.
8. Future Plans
Strengthening tiger monitoring and conservation efforts.
Enhancing eco-tourism and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for locals.
Improving wildlife corridors and connectivity with other tiger reserves.
9. Conclusion
Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingala Tiger Reserve is a significant wildlife conservation area in Chhattisgarh, known for its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and potential tiger habitat. The reserve plays a crucial role in tiger conservation and serves as an ecological bridge between central and eastern Indian tiger reserves.
