Melghat Tiger Project, which is one of the nine tiger reserves in the country and first in Maharashtra turned 41 today.
Addressing a function to mark this occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Sarjan Bhagat said, "After the recent evaluation of tiger projects in the country by NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority), Melghat is adjudged sixth in the country, second in Central India and first in Maharashtra. The project was adjudged first in the country for successful rehabilitation of villages."
He appealed for the combined efforts by various stake-holders, saying challenges are more due to the vastness of the core area and limited resources at disposal.
MTP CCF and Regional Director Dineshkumar Tyagi said NTCP has approved a plan with an outlay of Rs 1100 crore for the conservation of tigers.
"If the project gets Rs 100 crore every year as per this plan, Melghat Tiger Project would become the numero uno in the country," he said, adding that Centre has sanctioned a special tiger protection force (STPF) for the project and the state's approval is awaited.
Established on February 22, 1974 as one of the nine first such projects in the country, MTP is spread over an area of 2768.52 sq. Kms. And shows attachment of forests in the Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The number of tigers here is between 35 and 40.
Tyagi said a scheme for aerial monitoring of wildlife has been proposed.
"It will enable computerised monitoring of wildlife activities in Melghat from Amravati," he added.
He said members from Pardhi community has been roped in as secret informers.
