From Conflict Corridor To Tiger Stronghold: Murdoli Cynosure Of NNTR’s Success Story

Chandrapur: Murdoli was a fragile and conflict-prone forest stretch in Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) corridor a decade ago. Today, it has transformed into a thriving tiger habitat and an emerging safari destination, reflecting years of conservation work by forest officials, local communities, and NGO SEWA.Reopening of Murdoli safari gate on May 1, after nearly two decades of conflict and crises, was the turning point and aimed at boosting eco-tourism, easing visitor pressure on other entry points. It signals ecological recovery of a landscape once threatened by habitat degradation, water scarcity, forest fires, and rising human-wildlife conflict. Murdoli forest was earlier part of the territorial forest, but had been recently handed over to wildlife wing with its merger in the tiger reserve's buffer zone.NNTR field director Piyusha Jagtap said Murdoli is the only safari operational in the reserve's buffer zone and offers visitors a diverse wildlife experience. "Murdoli is unique for its blend of open meadows, hilly terrain, and safari tracks running alongside the scenic Chulbandh dam. Its most prominent attraction is the mid-safari halt at the dam's bank, offering tourists a rare combination of wildlife and landscape experience," she said. Murdoli safari circuit will remain open throughout the year, even during the monsoon.This transformation has been gradual and hard-earned. For nearly 10 years, forest department staff and SEWA volunteers have worked on continuous monitoring, protection, and awareness efforts. Their work ranged from camera trap surveillance and wildlife tracking to village outreach and conflict mitigation. "We have seen Murdoli evolve from a vulnerable forest patch into a stable tiger habitat. This success belongs to everyone who stayed committed on the ground for years," said SEWA president Sawan Bahekar.The ecological revival is closely linked to tiger movement and breeding patterns. Initially, male tiger T-7 from Navegaon side frequented the area, but was later replaced by dominant T-9 from Nagzira core. Arrival of tigress T-14 proved decisive, as her successful breeding laid foundation for Murdoli's revival. Over time, she contributed nearly a dozen cubs to the landscape, significantly strengthening the regional tiger population.During this crucial conservation phase, dedicated efforts were undertaken under field director Piyusha Jagtap; deputy director Pritamsingh Kodape; DCF Jitendra Ramgaokar and DCF Pramod Panchbhai, with strong support from local RFOs, who played a key role in safeguarding and managing Murdoli landscape."Murdoli's recovery shows what consistent protection, scientific monitoring, and community cooperation can achieve," Kodape told TOI.