18 new reserves and 7 sanctuaries to boost wildlife conservation in Maharashtra

In a move to bolster the environment protection and wildlife conservation movement, Maharashtra will soon see the development of 18 new wildlife reserves and 7 sanctuaries. With this, the tally of protected areas will rise to 52, covering an estimated area of 13,000 sq kms.

The proposal was recently accepted by the Maharashtra CM over the 19th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), also talks about a 'State Wildlife Fund'. This move will augment the numerous biodiversity projects, conservation efforts, and will aid in compensating the localites.

Some of the 18 reserves include the Velhe-Mulshi (of approx 87.41 sq km), Lonavala (of 121.41 sq km) in Pune-Raigad districts, Naneghat (covering approximately 98.78 sq km) in districts of Pune-Thane, Bhorgirigad (of 37.64 sq kms) in Pune, Dindori (covering some 62.10 sq km), Surgana (86.28 sq km), and Taharabad (122.45 sq kms).

The proposed Conservation Reserve Areas (CRAs) comprise Bhairavgad in the Thane district, Saptashringigad in the Nashik district, Kinwat in the Nanded district. Aurangabad district will see the construction of Dhareshwar, Trikuteshwar, Kannad, Pedkagad reserves. CRAs are basically built for the sole aim to protect wildlife habitats, acting as buffer zones between national parks, protected forests, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Environmentalists have been, in the past, constantly seeking for the improvement in the wildlife conservation. The establishment of these new additions will expectedly protect forest life, the rich flora and fauna of the state, and conserve Maharashtra's wildlife.