Chhattisgarh to launch Hornbill Safari at Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

The Chhattisgarh Forest Department is set to launch a dedicated Hornbill Safari at the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR), marking a significant step towards wildlife conservation, community-led eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood generation for local tribal communities.

The safari will be introduced in the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) villages of Odh, Amlor and Amamora, where sustained conservation efforts over the past few years have led to a notable increase in the population of the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill. Trial runs are currently underway, with the safari expected to be formally launched in the coming weeks.

The initiative has been designed to integrate biodiversity conservation with community participation and responsible tourism. By creating livelihood opportunities for local residents while protecting critical wildlife habitats, the Forest Department aims to establish a sustainable eco-tourism model that benefits both conservation and local communities.

The Malabar Pied Hornbill, one of India’s most distinctive forest birds, has recorded a steady increase in population within the reserve over the past four years. Forest officials attribute this success to strengthened anti-poaching measures, removal of encroachments, plantation and protection of fruit-bearing trees, and habitat enhancement initiatives such as the ‘Hornbill Restaurant’ programme, which ensures a steady food source for the species.

Regular monitoring by forest staff and trained local trackers has also played a crucial role in documenting hornbill movements, nesting sites and habitat conditions, helping transform the forests around Odh, Amlor and Amamora into secure habitats and emerging destinations for birdwatching and nature tourism.

Recognised as an important indicator of healthy forest ecosystems, the Malabar Pied Hornbill plays a vital role in seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration. Its growing presence in the reserve reflects the improving ecological health of the landscape and the effectiveness of ongoing conservation initiatives.

Community participation forms a central pillar of the project. Young people from nearby PVTG villages are being trained as birdwatchers, nature guides and hornbill guides, enabling them to directly participate in eco-tourism activities while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Commenting on the initiative, Varun Jain, Deputy Director, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, said, “The Hornbill Safari is designed as a community-centric conservation initiative. Along with strengthening protection of the Malabar Pied Hornbill and its habitat, the programme will enable local youth to participate directly in eco-tourism activities and benefit from emerging livelihood opportunities.”

Jain added that the project has been conceptualised under the guidance of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, whose vision has been to link wildlife conservation with sustainable livelihoods for local communities. He also acknowledged the support of Arun Kumar Pandey, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, and O.P. Yadav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), under whose guidance several conservation and eco-tourism initiatives are being implemented within the reserve.

Initially, two safari vehicles have been earmarked for the Hornbill Safari, providing visitors, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and researchers with opportunities to observe hornbills in their natural habitat. The Forest Department expects the initiative to attract nature enthusiasts from across the country while strengthening Chhattisgarh’s growing eco-tourism portfolio.

Located around 130 kilometres from Raipur, the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve spans nearly 1,842 square kilometres across the districts of Gariaband and Dhamtari. The reserve has emerged as one of central India’s important birding and wildlife destinations, supporting rich biodiversity and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Besides the Malabar Pied Hornbill, the reserve is home to several notable bird species, including the Shaheen Falcon, Indian Pitta, Brown Fish Owl, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, woodpeckers, barbets and minivets. It also supports wildlife such as the Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, leopard, sloth bear and numerous other forest-dependent species.

According to the Forest Department, the Hornbill Safari demonstrates how scientific forest management, wildlife conservation and community participation can work together to promote responsible tourism and conservation-based livelihoods. By linking biodiversity protection with local economic development, the initiative is expected to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position as an emerging destination for nature and wildlife tourism.