Why in news?
The National Board for Wildlife approved West Bengal’s proposal in August 2025 to add over 1,000 km² to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. This expansion increases the reserve’s total area to about 3,630 km², making it one of the largest tiger habitats in India.
Background
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest mangrove forest spanning India and Bangladesh. The tiger reserve was set up in 1973 to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger and its unique estuarine ecosystem. Over the years the tigers’ range extended beyond the reserve into surrounding forests, leading to human–wildlife conflict. Plans to enlarge the protected area date back to 2002 but had stalled until now.
Details of the expansion
- New ranges: The Matla, Raidighi and Ramganga ranges will be brought under the reserve’s core and buffer zones. This adds around 1,045 km² of mangrove and swamp forest.
- Wildlife management: The additional land improves corridor connectivity for tigers and their prey. It will reduce conflict by drawing animals away from villages.
- Community involvement: Forest authorities plan to work with local fishing and honey‑collecting communities to create alternative livelihoods and co‑manage ecotourism.
Importance
Expanding the reserve enhances climate resilience because mangroves act as natural buffers against cyclones and store large amounts of carbon. Protecting a larger contiguous landscape gives the tiger population room to grow and adapt. It also underscores India’s commitment to global biodiversity goals.