| Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
   | |
 | |
| Nearest city | Kawardha [1] |
| Coordinates | 22°6′36″N81°8′40″E / 22.11000°N 81.14444°E |
| Area | 352 [2] km2 (136 sq mi) |
| Established | 2001 [2] |
| Governing body | Chhattisgarh Forest Department [1] |
Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and wildlife sanctuary located in Kabirdham district in the Indian State of Chhattisgarh. [2] It is named after the Bhoramdeo Temple. [3]
The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 352 km2 (136 sq mi) and was officially notified in 2001. [2] It lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills and falls within the Kanha–Achanakmar tiger corridor. [1]
The sanctuary consists chiefly of tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, with key tree species such as Saaj ( Terminalia tomentosa ), Sal ( Shorea robusta ), Tendu ( Diospyros melanoxylon ), and Eucalyptus. [4] Fauna includes Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, gaur, wild boar, and monitor lizard. [4] Over 100 bird species have been recorded; notable ones include Indian peafowl and Malabar pied hornbill. [1]
A draft notification in early 2025 established a 10 km Eco-Sensitive Zone around the sanctuary, with defined coordinates and zonal regulations. [1] In February 2025, NTCA and the Union Ministry supported steps to declare it as a tiger reserve, aiming to reinforce its role in landscape-level conservation. [4]
In August 2023, the Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed a PIL for immediate tiger reserve designation, noting that NTCA’s recommendation was not binding without completing required statutory processes. [5] Earlier in 2019, NTCA’s 2014 and 2018 recommendations were overlooked by the state government despite evidence of tiger movement; this drew criticism from conservationists. [6]
