The proposed shifting of tigers from Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve to newly declared Sarbhanga and Parsamaniya Conservation Reserves raises pressing questions about India’s conservation model. The primary reason—habitat submergence due to the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project and associated dam activities—has triggered ecological and ethical debates. This article explores why the shifting is necessary, the ecological risks involved, and whether India’s tiger conservation efforts are being compromised by developmental priorities.
The Submergence Threat to Panna: Why Panna Tiger Reserve Shifting Is Proposed ?
Madhya Pradesh’s celebrated Panna Tiger Reserve, a hallmark of successful tiger reintroduction, is now under threat. A significant portion of the reserve is at risk of submergence due to the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (KBLP)—a massive river interlinking initiative aimed at water redistribution for agriculture and drinking supply in Bundelkhand.
But this progress comes at an ecological cost. The backwaters from large dams under KBLP are expected to inundate over 9,000 hectares of forest, much of which lies within tiger breeding and corridor zones. This necessitates the shifting of tigers to alternative forest areas.
New Proposed Reserves: Sarbhanga and Parsamaniya
In response, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has prepared a proposal to declare 537 sq km of Sarbhanga and Parsamaniya forest areas in Satna district as Conservation Reserves. These zones have similar forest structures and prey availability, but are not yet designated tiger habitats.
Local administrative bodies have been instructed to conduct Gram Sabhas by August 15, 2025, to finalize the decision in a community-inclusive manner.
Why the Panna Tiger Reserve Shifting Is Raising Doubts ?
Despite the urgent need for a solution, the plan has triggered questions:
Is enough ecological research being conducted before shifting?
Are long-term impacts on non-tiger species being ignored?
Why wasn’t the Ken-Betwa project re-aligned to avoid tiger habitats?
Is conservation in India becoming secondary to infrastructure?
Environmentalists argue that project clearances prioritized human development over sustainable wildlife management, violating the balance between nature and necessity.
Breeding Disruption and Human-Tiger Conflict : Panna Tiger Reserve Shifting
Tigers are highly territorial, and even small changes in landscape can result in:
Abandoned cubs
Reduced fertility due to stress
Territorial clashes in new habitats
Increased human-animal conflict as tigers migrate toward settlements
The new reserves need intensive preparation, including habitat modification, prey base enhancement, and robust anti-poaching frameworks.
What About Other Species?
Most Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) focus primarily on flagship species like tigers. But Panna is home to:
Over 200 bird species
Rare sloth bears, leopards, reptiles
Medicinal flora unique to Vindhyan ranges
There is no public data on how their populations will be affected post-submergence, raising concerns about ecosystem-wide displacement.
Summary Table 1 : Panna vs Proposed Reserves
| Feature | Panna Tiger Reserve | Sarbhanga-Parsamaniya Proposed Reserve |
| Area | 1,642 sq km | 537 sq km |
| Existing Tiger Population | ~55 | 0 (under preparation) |
| Core Tiger Habitat | Yes | To be developed |
| Submergence Risk | High | None |
| Human Activity Nearby | Moderate | Low |
Geographical Comparison: Panna vs. Satna District, Madhya Pradesh
Understanding the geographical landscape is crucial when evaluating the ecological feasibility of tiger relocation. Below is a comparison of key geographical and environmental features of Panna and Satna districts:
Table 2 :
| Feature | Panna District | Satna District |
| Geographical Area | 7,135 sq km | 7,502 sq km |
| Location Coordinates | 24.27°N, 80.18°E | 24.58°N, 80.83°E |
| Forest Cover (%) | ~47% | ~34% |
| Major Forest Type | Panna District: Predominantly composed of dry deciduous forests with a mix of teak and sal tree species. | Satna District: Characterized by dry deciduous and scrub forest landscapes with comparatively less dense tree cover. |
| Elevation Range | 200 to 450 meters | 300 to 460 meters |
| Average Rainfall | ~1,200 mm annually | ~1,050 mm annually |
| Major Rivers | Nourished by the Ken River.Features scenic spots like the Pandav Falls. | Drained by the Tons River.Its tributary, the Bichhiya River, supporting the region’s ecology. |
| Protected Areas | Panna Tiger Reserve (1,642 sq km) | None currently; Sarbhanga & Parsamaniya (proposed) |
| Biodiversity Status | High – tigers, leopards, sloth bears, etc. | Moderate – leopards, hyenas, herbivores |
| Human Population (2023 est.) | ~1.1 million | ~2.1 million |
| Major Development Threats | Ken-Betwa River Project, Mining | Urbanization, Limestone Mining, Agriculture |
Key Insights from the Geographic Table:
Panna has denser forests and a higher biodiversity concentration, making it ideal for tigers.
Satna, while geographically similar, has less forest density and higher human population, raising concerns about long-term ecological stability for apex predators.
Satna’s elevation and rainfall patterns are comparable to Panna, making it technically feasible for tiger relocation with proper conservation planning.
In absence of current protected zones and greater anthropogenic pressure in Satna, intensive habitat development will be essential before tigers are introduced.
Tiger Habitat and Breeding: Key Ecological Conditions for Conservation Success
Table 3: Ideal Geographical and Ecological Conditions for Tiger Habitat
| Parameter | Ideal Condition for Tigers | Reference Source |
| Forest Type | Thick tropical and semi-tropical dry deciduous woodlands | NTCA, WII Reports |
| Forest Coverage | > 30% of landscape | Wildlife Institute of India (WII) |
| Elevation Range | 200 – 1,500 meters | WII Landscape Ecology Data |
| Rainfall | 1,000 – 2,500 mm annually | IUCN Red List Tiger Profile |
| Temperature Range | Approx 5°C to 40°C | As per WWF Tiger Conservation Profile |
| Prey Base | Spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, nilgai, langurs | NTCA Field Surveys |
| Water Source | Year-round availability (rivers, ponds, seasonal streams) | NTCA, Project Tiger Guidelines |
| Core Area Requirement | Minimum 800 – 1,000 sq km for sustainable breeding | Project Tiger, MoEFCC |
| Human Interference | Low to minimal | NTCA Conflict Mitigation Reports |
| Contiguous Forest Corridors | Essential for genetic diversity and territory spread | WII and NTCA Connectivity Studies |
Forest Types that Support Tiger Breeding : Table 4
| Forest Type | Breeding Suitability | Features Supporting Tigers | Example Locations |
| Dry Deciduous Forests | High | Dense cover, prey abundance, seasonal visibility | Panna, Kanha, Bandhavgarh |
| Moist Deciduous Forests | Moderate to High | Abundant water, dense prey population | Corbett, Dudhwa |
| Tropical Evergreen Forests | Moderate | Dense canopy, lower visibility, fewer open areas | Western Ghats, Sundarbans |
| Mixed Sal-Teak Forests | High | Strong prey base, natural shelter, soft soil | Satpura, Pench, Simlipal |
| Scrub and Grassland Forests | Low | Lack of dense cover and permanent water sources | Not suitable for breeding |
Table 5: Tiger Ecological Needs vs Conservation Challenges
| Ecological Need | Importance for Tigers | Common Threats | Conservation Approach |
| Large Territory (20-60 sq km per tiger) | Territory for hunting and mating | Habitat fragmentation, encroachment | Core-buffer zone policy |
| Genetic Diversity | Prevents inbreeding | Isolation due to highways, deforestation | Corridor connectivity (e.g. Kanha-Pench) |
| Prey Density | 10–15 animals/km² for sustainability | Poaching, forest grazing | Prey base restoration, community protection |
| Water Availability | Essential for daily hydration and temperature regulation of tigers. | Threatened by drying rivers and increasing water pollution | Addressed through creation of artificial waterholes and conservation of natural wetlands |
| Denning and Shelter | Crucial for cub rearing | Logging, tourism pressure | Controlled eco-tourism, anti-logging zones |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. 1: What are the reasons for which Panna Tiger Reserve being submerged ?
Answer : Backwater from dams under the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. Essential parts of the forest are expected to be flooded .
Q2: Is shifting of Panna Tiger Reserve Shifting safe for tigers ?
A: Shifting can work if supported by research, habitat development, and gradual release. Otherwise, it can cause stress, conflict, and reduced breeding.
Q3: Are the new reserves ready for tigers?
A: Not yet. New Conservation Reserves Sarbhanga and Parsamaniya are in the process to be declare as a substitute of Panna Tiger Reserve .
Question 4: local communities consulted or not ?
Ans : Local communities or Gram Sabha participation and consultation are under process .
Q5: What are the biggest risks of Panna Tiger Reserve Shifting to Proposed Tiger Habitat ?
A : The key risks include: Increased human-wildlife conflict, Territorial clashes among relocated tigers, Stress-induced health and breeding issues, Ecological imbalance in the new reserves if not properly managed.
Balancing Tigers and Development
The “Panna Tiger Reserve shifting” saga reflects a deep conflict between India’s conservation goals and its developmental ambitions. While the new tiger homes may offer a temporary fix, the long-term success depends on transparent planning, scientific monitoring, and prioritizing ecological integrity over short-term gains.
India must ask itself:
“Are we saving tigers, or just moving them out of the way?”
References and Data Sources
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Tiger Habitat Management Guidelines (2023)
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII): “Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India” Report (2022)
- IUCN Red List – Panthera tigris Profile
- WWF India – Tiger Conservation Action Plans
- Project Tiger (MoEFCC, Govt. of India) – Official Management Protocols
- TERI India – Ecological Impact of River Projects on Tiger Habitats (2021)
- India State of Forest Report (ISFR 2021, 2023) – Forest Type and Cover Analysis
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – Environmental Impact Assessment of Ken-Betwa Project
- Ministry of Jal Shakti – Ken-Betwa Link Project Report (2021)
- Forest Department, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh – Press Briefing on Conservation Reserves, June 2025
- Local18 News Report – “Panna Tiger Reserve to relocate tigers due to submergence risk,” June 2025.
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