Why Madhya Pradesh CM opposse Ratapani as sixth Project national park?

"Madhya Pradesh is a tiger state. We are not averse to tiger and its protection. But we do not want it at the cost of the poor, especially tribals. Many villages will need to be shifted for turning Ratapani into a tiger reserve," Shivraj Chouhan said at the 15th national conference of Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad.

Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh got tiger reserve status in 2008. Located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, this is one of the finest teak forests in the state and is a short drive away from the capital Bhopal. It has 10-11 tigers in the forest area. Its close proximity to the capital and its relatively untouched forests makes it a promising attraction for tourists and the MP Eco tourism board has made the place a wildlife destination.

The sanctuary runs parallel on the northern side of Narmada River, the "life line of Madhya Pradesh". Kolar River forms the western boundary of the Sanctuary. Concerned over the declining number of tigers in the country, Centre had sanctioned Madhya Pradesh's Ratapani Sanctuary as sixth Project Tiger national park after 8-10 tigers were found there. 

Not ready to lose a single vote instead he blames the Union Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh decision for turning Ratapani into Tiger Reserve which will result into shifting large numbers of villages.. Least realizing the process is already ongoing since 18 months. The Villagers and forest dwellers have been informed and they are ready. Illegal mining, stone crushing-teak mafia has pressure the Government and he has succumbed to the pressure like he did in Panna Tiger Reserve.

He should not forget that in the Felicitation programme on his completion of 5 years no tribal leader was even asked to be on the dice in-spite of the fact that he represents a Tribal rich state  in which he claimed 21 per cent of the state budget was earmarked for tribal development.What a Farce!

Establishment Of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: 1976

Area Of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: 907.712Sq.Kms.

Location: Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.

Animals In Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: 
Tiger,Panther,Hyena,Jackal ,Indian Fox,Wild Dog,Jungle Cat,Small Indian Civet,Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck, Chausingha (4 Horned Antelope),Spotted Deer,Barking Deer, Sambar Deer,Wild Boar,Sloth Bear,Porcupine,Rhesus Monkey, Hanuman Langur,Indian Hare,Common Mongoose.

Birds In Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary:
Pea Fowl, Partridge,Blossom Headed Parakeet,Hoopoe,Small Green Bea Eater,Small Blue Kingfisher, White Breasted Kingfisher,Golden Backed Woodpecker, Gray Shrike,Common Hawk (Cockoo or Brainfever Bird),Black Drongo, Indian Myna,Brahminy Myna,Jungle Crow, House Crow,Treepie (Mahalat), Red Vented Bulbul,Common Wabler,Crested Bunting,White Wegtail,Magpie Robin,Indian Robin,Spotted Dove,Ringed Dove,Little Brown Dove,White Spotted Fantailed Flycatcher, Paradise Flycatcher,Crimson Breasted Barbet (Coppersmith),Yellow Breasted Pied Woodpecker.

Reptiles In Ratapani Wildlife Sanctury :
 Python,Cobra,Common Krait,Viper,Grass Snake,Rat Snake,Monitor Lezard .

About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ratapani sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district gets all the facilities from the Central government pertaining to conservation of tigers. Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the good abodes for variety of wildlife. The sanctuary runs parallel on the northern side of Narmada River, the "life line of Madhya Pradesh".The Sanctuary has Bhimbetika "a group of rock shelters and rock paintings" which is one of the '' World Heritage Site '' declared by UNESCO, and hence the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is of International importance. Kolar River forms the western boundary of the Sanctuary. The sanctuary was first notified in 1976 and then extended in 1983. Ratapani reservoir, after which the sanctuary is named, forms a good habitat for crocodiles and other aquatic fauna. Dahod reservoir is another significant water body inside the sanctuary.

At present 7 adults Tigers  and 5 sub adults are there in the reserve

 http://www.mypopkorn.com/news/ratapani-sanctuary-sanctioned-as-sixth-project-tiger-national-park.html

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