Context:

Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced that Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been designated as India's 57th Tiger Reserve.

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Geographical details: Ratapani Tiger Reserve has a total area of 1271.4 sq km, comprising of – 

• Core area of 763.8 sq km, and
• Buffer area of 507.6 sq km 

It is the 8th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh.

The notification was issued under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, acknowledging the core area as a critical tiger habitat.

About the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

• The sanctuary is located in the Vindhya hills across Raisen and Sehore districts, with extensive teak forests.
• It includes the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (World Heritage Site).
• The sanctuary is home to several historical and religious sites.
• The sanctuary is less than 50 kilometres from Bhopal.
• It will cover nine revenue villages covering 26.947 square kilometres. These villages have been integrated into the buffer zone.
• It lies parallel to the northern side of the Narmada River, with the Kolar River forming its western boundary.
• The area was first declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976, extended in 1983, and approved as a tiger reserve by NTCA in 2008.
• Key animals found here are: - Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, spotted deer, and sambar deer. 

Impact of declaration:

• According to officials, local communities will see economic opportunities grow with the promotion of ecotourism, which is expected to generate employment and improve livelihoods.
• Tiger reserve designation will enable the state to receive funding from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which will “ensure better management and conservation efforts for wildlife.”

How are Tiger Reserves notified?

Tiger Reserves are notified by State Governments as per provisions of Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). 

The process for declaring a tiger reserve involves the following steps:

• The state government submits a proposal.
• The NTCA gives in-principle approval and requests detailed proposals.
• After review, the NTCA recommends the proposal to the state.
• The state government officially notifies the area as a tiger reserve.