Why in news?
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has sought responses from the Maharashtra government and forest department on allegations that resorts and agro‑tourism projects are operating within Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary’s eco‑sensitive zone without proper approvals. Petitioners claim that commercial activities are damaging wildlife corridors and violating conservation norms.
Background
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra and covers about 149 square kilometres. It is characterised by gentle hills and valleys drained by tributaries of the Penganga (Painganga) river, a tributary of the Wardha within the Godavari river system. The sanctuary was notified in 1997 to protect dry deciduous forests and wildlife migrating between the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Kawal Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Telangana. Teak dominates roughly 60% of the forest, interspersed with teak bamboo, red sanders, mahua and medicinal plants. More than 20 tigers have been recorded here along with leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, gaurs, sambar, chital, wild pigs and 182 species of birds.
Points of discussion
- Allegations of illegal resorts: Petitioners allege that private resorts and agro‑tourism centres have been built inside the eco‑sensitive zone without clearances, resulting in tree felling and obstruction of animal movement. They seek court orders to remove constructions and demarcate the buffer zone.
- Ecological significance: The sanctuary acts as a corridor for tigers moving between major reserves. Disruption could increase human–wildlife conflict and reduce genetic diversity. The area also has 26 species of reptiles and over 250 species of plants.
- Government response: Forest officials claim that tourism infrastructure is outside the core zone and helps raise awareness and livelihoods for local communities. They plan to submit detailed status reports to the court.
- Conservation efforts: Tipeshwar is connected to Kawal and Tadoba through wildlife corridors. Local NGOs and villagers participate in conservation by reporting poaching, preserving water holes and planting native species.