Why in news?
- The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has attracted fresh attention as proposals to convert it into a tiger reserve have stalled for more than a decade amid security challenges and local opposition.
- Conservationists warn that poaching, cattle grazing and a lack of monitoring are degrading the habitat and jeopardising remaining wildlife.
Background
- Located in Odisha’s Nuapada district on the border with Chhattisgarh, Sunabeda spans about 600 km² of dry deciduous forest and open plateaus. The Jonk River flows through its northern half, feeding at least 12 waterfalls, including Beniadhus and Kharaldhus.
- Sunabeda was once a stronghold for tigers, leopards and other wildlife. However, a 2016 census recorded only four tigers in the Khariar–Sunabeda forests. A proposal exists to create a 1,083 km² Sunabeda Tiger Reserve, but notification has been delayed due to insurgency and limited resources.
- Local tribal communities depend on the forest for their livelihoods and fear displacement should a tiger reserve be notified, leading to distrust of conservation initiatives.
Challenges
- Security: Maoist insurgency has led to paramilitary patrols and deterred forest staff from regular patrolling. Many forest posts are damaged or abandoned.
- Poaching and grazing: Inadequate enforcement allows cattle herders and poachers to enter core areas, causing habitat degradation and reducing prey populations.
- Community trust: Villagers are sceptical of conservation plans because of past neglect and fear of relocation. They rely on the forest for minor forest produce and grazing.
- Infrastructure: Lack of roads, health facilities and education services contributes to poverty and undermines local support for wildlife protection.
Significance and way forward
- Sunabeda forms an important corridor between Odisha’s forests and the Udanti‑Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Protecting it would aid genetic exchange and strengthen central India’s tiger population.
- Upgrading the sanctuary to a tiger reserve could bring funding and improved protection, but success depends on involving communities, addressing security and providing alternative livelihoods.
- Ecotourism centred on Sunabeda’s waterfalls and tribal culture could generate income while promoting conservation, provided it is developed sustainably and benefits local people.
Conclusion
The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary illustrates the complex interplay between conservation, security and human welfare. Achieving lasting protection will require integrated efforts that address social and economic needs alongside ecological goals.
Source: Sanctuary Nature Foundation · Wildlife Odisha