MORAND-GANJAL IRRIGATION PROJECT

PRELIMS BITS: 

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has raised significant concerns regarding the Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting its potential to threaten vital tiger habitats and disrupt ecological corridors between the Satpura and Melghat Tiger Reserves. The NTCA has called on authorities to consider alternative locations that balance development and conservation.

Project Overview

• The Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project aims to enhance irrigation for 211 villages in the Hoshangabad, Betul, Harda, and Khandwa districts.
• Originally proposed in 1972, the project received government approval in 2017.
• The plan includes the construction of dams on the Morand and Ganjal rivers, which will lead to the submergence of over 2,250 hectares of forest land.

Impact on Tiger Habitats

• The NTCA’s analysis highlights that the proposed project site lies within an important tiger-occupied habitat.
• Submerging these forest areas could disrupt tiger movement between the Satpura and Melghat Tiger Reserves.
• Such disruption risks genetic exchange and the population stability of tigers.
• The NTCA warns that these ecological impacts may have long-term detrimental effects on tiger populations and the wider wildlife community.

Recovery of Tiger Populations

• Both the Satpura and Melghat Tiger Reserves are in a recovery phase, primarily due to successful voluntary village relocations.
• The NTCA cautions that losing the ecological corridor could reverse the progress made in tiger population recovery.

Socio-Economic Concerns

• The project would displace over 600 members of the Korku tribal community, causing the loss of their livelihoods.
• The submerged areas are critical not only for tigers but also for a diverse range of wildlife and biodiversity.

NTCA’s Recommendations

• The NTCA has strongly recommended exploring alternative, less ecologically sensitive sites for the project.
• It stresses the importance of reconciling development needs with the preservation of critical wildlife habitats.
• Ensuring the protection of biodiversity and ecological integrity must be prioritized.