Wildlife India News | September 21, 2026
West Bengal is preparing to establish Jungle Mahal’s first wildlife sanctuary in Purulia district, with a conservation plan that seeks to protect its recovering wildlife populations without relocating the communities that have lived alongside them for generations.
The proposed sanctuary will cover approximately 3,609 hectares across 21 mouzas, encompassing forests in the Kotshila and Jhalda ranges.
The detailed project report has been submitted to Aranya Bhavan, the headquarters of the West Bengal Forest Department. Subject to approval, officials expect the sanctuary notification to be issued during the current financial year.
A sanctuary spread across three forest beats
The proposed protected area will cover the Simni and Nowahatu beats of Kotshila forest range and the Kalma beat of Jhalda range.
These forests form part of an ecologically important landscape connected to neighbouring Jharkhand.
The proposal aims to bring the area under an integrated conservation framework, with measures for habitat protection, forest-fire prevention, soil and water conservation, and regular wildlife monitoring.
Leopards return to the forests of Purulia
The proposal follows encouraging signs of wildlife recovery in the Kotshila–Jhalda landscape.
Leopards, whose presence had become uncertain in the region, were confirmed through camera-trap photographs in 2022.
According to Forest Department estimates, the landscape now supports approximately six adult leopards and three cubs.
The forests also provide habitat for sloth bears, honey badgers, pangolins, hyenas, barking deer, porcupines and wild boar.
Around 10 sloth bears are estimated to inhabit the wider landscape.
An important elephant corridor
The proposed sanctuary lies within an established elephant movement corridor connecting forest habitats in West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Forest officials have also recorded signs suggesting occasional tiger movement through the landscape.
However, these signs do not establish the presence of a resident or breeding tiger population.
Protecting the forest connection could help maintain wildlife movement between the two states while reducing further habitat fragmentation.
Conservation without village relocation
One of the proposal’s most distinctive features is its emphasis on coexistence between people and wildlife.
Unlike conservation projects that involve relocating settlements from protected habitats, the Purulia plan envisages retaining existing villages and involving residents in forest protection.
Fifteen Joint Forest Management Committees are expected to participate in conservation activities.
Local residents have reportedly welcomed the proposal, expressing hope that sanctuary status will bring greater recognition to the forests and create additional livelihood opportunities.
The approach is particularly relevant to the wider debate over how protected areas can safeguard biodiversity while respecting the rights and livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
Ecotourism and scientific monitoring planned
The project proposes nature and birdwatching trails, trekking routes, watchtowers, eco-guides, camping facilities and a nature education centre.
A jeep safari, butterfly garden and tourism activities around Seoti waterfall are also under consideration.
A dedicated research and monitoring zone would include permanent vegetation plots, camera traps and climate-monitoring systems.
Another important component is a 188-hectare tract in Kalma beat known for its medicinal plants.
Tourism facilities remain proposals at this stage. Their development would require appropriate approvals and safeguards to prevent disturbance to wildlife and local communities.
The next step: Formal approval
The detailed project report is currently awaiting approval from the state Forest Department.
Until the required notification is issued, the area should be regarded as a proposed wildlife sanctuary rather than an officially established one.
If approved, the initiative could strengthen protection for Purulia’s recovering wildlife while creating a framework for community participation, scientific monitoring and carefully managed nature tourism.
The significance of the Purulia proposal lies not only in creating a new protected area, but also in its attempt to make local communities partners in conserving the forests they call home.
Source credit: The Times of India, September 20, 2026. Additional reporting: Sangbad Pratidin.
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