Hornbill Safari Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Chhattisgarh: Hornbill safari will start in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. This will boost hornbill conservation, eco-tourism and local employment.
Hornbill Safari in Chhattisgarh: An important step has been taken to promote wildlife conservation and community development in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve of Chhattisgarh. On the initiative of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the reserve management has decided to start Hornbill Safari especially in the Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) villages of Odh, Amalor and Aamora. The initiative aims to strengthen the conservation of the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill and create new employment opportunities for local villagers.
Forest Conservation and Livelihood: Conservation and livelihood together
The Forest Department is continuously working towards linking forest and wildlife conservation with the participation of local communities. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Force Chief Arun Kumar Pandey and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) O.P. Under the guidance of Yadav, many innovations are being made in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. These efforts are simultaneously promoting both wildlife conservation and rural development.
Malabar Pied Hornbill Conservation: Hornbill numbers increased in four years
A significant increase in the population of Malabar Pied Hornbill has been recorded in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in the last four years. This success is the result of innovative initiatives like anti-poaching campaigns, encroachment removal operations, conservation and plantation of fruit trees and ‘Hornbill Restaurant’. Active participation of local communities has also played an important role in this achievement.
Hornbill Tracking Team: Playing an important role in conservation
Special tracking teams formed for hornbill conservation are constantly monitoring the birds’ movements, nests and their habitat areas. Along with forest department employees, local trackers are also associated with this campaign. Due to sustained efforts, the area around Odh, Amalor and Aamora has now developed into a protected hornbill habitat and a popular birding spot.
Bird Watching Tourism: New attraction for nature lovers
Through the proposed Hornbill Safari, tourists, bird lovers, wildlife photographers and researchers will be able to observe hornbills in their natural environment. In the initial phase, two gypsy vehicles have been arranged for safari operation, which will provide better experience to the tourists.
Local Employment Through Eco Tourism: Youth will get employment
The biggest feature of this project is the participation of local communities. Youth and villagers of PVTG villages are being given training in bird watching and nature guides. After completion of training they will work as hornbill guides and nature guides for tourists. This will provide them with sustainable income and employment opportunities and promote community-based eco-tourism.
Emerging Birding Destination in Central India: Leading Birding and Nature Tourism Center of Central India
Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, located about 130 km from Raipur, is fast emerging as a major birding and nature tourism center of Central India. Apart from the Malabar Pied Hornbill, many birds like Shaheen Hawk, Indian Pitta, Brown Fish Owl, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, various species of woodpeckers, Barbet and Minivet can be seen here.
Rich Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism: Chhattisgarh will get a new identity in the field of nature tourism
The area is also known for rare wildlife such as the Indian giant squirrel and the Indian giant flying squirrel. Experts believe that this initiative of Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is an excellent example of scientific forest management, wildlife conservation and participation of local communities. With the start of Hornbill Safari, Chhattisgarh will get a new identity in the field of nature tourism and rural development will also gain momentum. For more information, tourists can contact the website www.udantisitanaditigerreserve.in and mobile numbers 7976688165 and 7566510937.