📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Rohit Sharma
Local
Maharashtra designates two forests as sanctuaries, approves 14 new wildlife reserves
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 26 Oct 2026, 11:37 PM
👁 18
The state government announced that two forest tracts will be upgraded to sanctuary status while 14 additional wildlife reserves have been cleared, marking a significant boost for Maharashtra’s biodiversity protection.
Maharashtra’s forest department announced on Monday that two forest tracts will be upgraded to wildlife sanctuaries, while a further 14 areas have been cleared as protected reserves. The move is part of the state’s ongoing effort to strengthen habitat protection for a range of species, including tigers, leopards and several endemic birds.
The two unnamed forest zones will receive full sanctuary status, which brings stricter anti‑poaching measures, regulated human activity and increased funding for habitat management. Officials said the designation will also enable greater community involvement in conservation programmes.
In addition, the approval of 14 new wildlife reserves expands the protected network across Maharashtra, linking existing corridors and providing safe breeding grounds. The reserves will be managed under the same legal framework as sanctuaries, with regular monitoring and periodic reviews.
State officials highlighted that the combined actions are expected to improve biodiversity indicators and support eco‑tourism initiatives in rural districts. Implementation is slated to begin within the next quarter, with field teams already conducting baseline surveys.
The two unnamed forest zones will receive full sanctuary status, which brings stricter anti‑poaching measures, regulated human activity and increased funding for habitat management. Officials said the designation will also enable greater community involvement in conservation programmes.
In addition, the approval of 14 new wildlife reserves expands the protected network across Maharashtra, linking existing corridors and providing safe breeding grounds. The reserves will be managed under the same legal framework as sanctuaries, with regular monitoring and periodic reviews.
State officials highlighted that the combined actions are expected to improve biodiversity indicators and support eco‑tourism initiatives in rural districts. Implementation is slated to begin within the next quarter, with field teams already conducting baseline surveys.