Home / Environment / Purulia's First Wildlife Sanctuary: Coexistence Focus
Purulia's First Wildlife Sanctuary: Coexistence Focus
20 Sep
Summary
- Purulia to establish its first wildlife sanctuary.
- Sanctuary aims to protect wildlife without relocating people.
- Leopards have returned to the area in recent years.
Purulia is preparing to establish its inaugural wildlife sanctuary in the Jungle Mahal region. This significant conservation effort prioritizes the protection of a growing wild animal population while emphasizing coexistence with human inhabitants.
The sanctuary will cover 3,609.4 hectares across several forest beats, including Simni, Nowahatu, and Kalma. This project aims to avoid the relocation of villages, instead integrating existing settlements into the conservation landscape and fostering community partnerships.
The initiative follows a notable return of wildlife, particularly leopards, to the Kotshila-Jhalda area, with their presence confirmed in 2022. Foresters estimate approximately six adult leopards now reside in the vicinity.
The proposed sanctuary's management plan includes habitat protection, fire control, water conservation, and wildlife monitoring, involving fifteen joint forest management committees. Future development plans also encompass regulated nature tourism, including trails, watchtowers, and an eco-guide program.
