The Centre on Tuesday revealed that an "in-principle" approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for the creation of the Kawal Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, besides 5 other new tiger reserves.
In a written reply to a question by Rajya Sabha Member Kanwar Deep Singh, Jayanthi Natarajan, who is the Minister Of State For Environment And Forests, said that besides the Kawal Sanctuary in AP, Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh, Sunabeda in Orissa, the Mukandara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) in Rajasthan, and Kudremukh in Karnataka also received 'in-principle' approvals.
Bor in Maharashtra, Suhelwa in Uttar Pradesh, Nagzira-Navegaon in Maharashtra, Satyamangalam in Tamil Nadu, Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh, and Mhadei Sanctuary in Goa have, meanwhile, been advised to send in proposals for getting declared as Tiger Reserves.
Under Section 38 V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, state governments are authorised to notify an area as a tiger reserve on recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. (INN)