The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved the expansion of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by adding over 1,044 sq km. This makes it the second-largest tiger reserve in India, after Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.

The decision is expected to strengthen tiger conservation, bring more central funding, and enhance eco-tourism potential in West Bengal.

Key Points:

• The expansion increases the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve area to around 3,629.6 sq km, making it India’s second-largest tiger reserve.
• The proposal, originally conceived in 2005–06, was finalized after approvals from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the West Bengal State Board for Wildlife.
• Newly added areas include the Matla, Raidighi, and Ramganga ranges, which are already habitats of several tigers.
• The move will improve habitat connectivity, increase manpower support, and provide additional central funding for conservation.
• The expansion is also expected to boost eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and disaster resilience in the Sundarbans region.