Gondia, March 30 The Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Gondia, Maharashtra, will gain control of the buffer zone surrounding it from April 1, which officials said on Monday will improve the operational efficiency of the facility.
The decision to transfer control of the buffer zone was made through a government resolution on December 24 last year, they added.
After the transfer of the 652.20 square kilometre buffer zone, the size of NNTR will increase to 1305.88 square kilometres.
"This will help develop the reserve in a better way. The area will come under our management from April 1," said NNTR field director Piyusha Jagtap.
Plans are also in place to introduce new safari routes, homestay facilities, and adventure sports facilities, Jagtap added.
The control of the buffer zone will also help in reducing conflicts between humans and animals, the official added.
"While tourism is restricted in the core area during the monsoon season, people can enjoy safaris in the buffer zone throughout the year due to unified control," said deputy field director Pritam Kodape.
The transfer of the 'buffer zone' from the forest department and the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) to NNTR will double the size of the reserve, but will also facilitate micro-planning and the speedy release of funds, officials said.
