Rama Krishna Sangem
BRS Rajya Sabha MP J Santosh Kumar visited Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Melghat Tiger Reserve in Yavatmal district of adjoining Maharashtra this week. Known for its rich biodiversity and flora and fauna, this sprawling jungle is a sight to behold. Santosh took a jungle safari and clicked photos of many wild animals like deer and peacocks during this trip.
Santosh, a member of Parliamentary standing committee on environment, ecology and forests, showing keen interest in promoting nature and preserving ecology in various ways. He launched Green India Challenge, GIC, five years ago and has been posting pics of wildlife and nature through his #Weekly dose of Photography on every Sunday. He says, all this is in tune with Telangana CM KCR’s call to promote greenery in a big way.
Melghat, of which Tipeshwar is a part, is one of the nine tiger sanctuaries notified in 1971 by the Government of India under it s Project Tiger scheme. Flanking River Tapti, that flows through parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Melghat Tiger Reserve is spread over 1,676 sq km. There are more than a dozen forest sub-divisions that take care of different flora and fauna.
As River Tapti has five major tributaries – Khandu, Sipna, Gadga, Khapra and Dolar – this entire forest range is full of water bodies that cater to tigers as well as other animals and birds. Close to 100 tribal hamlets on the periphery of this tiger belt and the forest department has integrated the locals to conserve the wildlife, yet seek livelihoods. Thanks to their efforts, the tiger population has grown since recently.
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, a tourist spot
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary close to Adilabad district in Telangana is a major tourist attraction. This mini-sanctuary spread across 145 sq km, is home to around 20 tigers. We see many of these tigers coming and going between the state borders, from Tipeshwar to Kavval sanctuary. Arrangements are there for nature lovers in this sanctuary, forest safaris and trekking packages are at affordable rates, from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 per family.
