Maharashtra Records Surge in Tiger Deaths, Plans Vantara-Inspired Wildlife Sanctuary Backed by Anant Ambani
Maharashtra Records Surge in Leopard Deaths, Plans Vantara-Inspired Wildlife Sanctuary Backed by Anant Ambani
The Maharashtra government is planning to set up a wildlife sanctuary named ‘Surya Tara’ in Thane, inspired by Anant Ambani’s ‘Vantara’ rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat. This comes amid serious concerns over rising tiger deaths in the state.
In the last three months, 19 tigers have died and four more were poached. Some tigers reportedly died due to starvation. The current tiger population in Maharashtra is 446, with the highest count in Chandrapur district.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik is currently in Nagpur, holding meetings to review the situation. “We have written to Anant Ambani, seeking his support for the Surya Tara project. Land has already been identified,” Naik said.
The state is also working on improving forest management. Officers have been instructed not to delay central and state schemes. To boost revenue, the Forest Development Corporation will plant bamboo on unused land.
Fruit-bearing trees like mosambi in Marathwada, oranges in Vidarbha, grapes in Nashik, and pomegranates in western Maharashtra will be planted. Tree plantations will also be done along the Samruddhi Highway.
The government plans to set up furniture manufacturing units using forest wood. These factories, costing ₹70 crore, will be spread across Maharashtra, with a monthly investment of ₹10 crore.
To reduce human-animal conflict, fruit trees will be planted in forest core areas to attract herbivores and retain carnivores like tigers within forest limits. Solar panels will be installed on unused forest land. Damaged department vehicles will be replaced.
This year, no forest fire was reported in Melghat. A drone worth ₹50 lakh will be bought for fire control. Naik also revealed that poachers in Rajura had international links, and a charge sheet will be filed soon.
