Vulture care takes flight in Indravati with GPS, safe zones

Raipur: Chhattisgarh's Indravati Tiger Reserve (ITR) has established a new benchmark for vulture conservation in India. Situated within one of Central India's cleanest river-forest ecosystems, the reserve has evolved from a sanctuary for tigers and wild buffaloes into a critical hub for protecting endangered vultures. In a first-of-its-kind initiative for the state, the reserve is using high-resolution satellite telemetry to monitor bird movements. Data collected between 2022 and 2025 has yielded over 18,000 GPS data points from two tagged vultures. These findings reveal that vultures remain active across a 10,000-square-kilometre expanse, frequently moving between dense forests and human settlements, according to the forest department.The success of the programme is largely attributed to the "Giddha Mitra Dal" (friends of vultures), a volunteer group led by regional biologist Suraj Kumar. This team monitors nesting sites and ensures safe carcass management. Their efforts have led to successful breeding in remote areas like Gudda Sari Gutta. Under the supervision of ITR deputy director Sundeep Balaga, "vulture restaurants" have been set up. These are controlled feeding sites where only Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)-free carcasses, verified by veterinary tests, are provided. These centres also serve as educational hubs for local youth and schools to learn about the ecological importance of vultures as "nature's scavengers."Deputy director Balaga will lead the third phase of the project, which includes satellite tagging of vultures, conducting over 50 awareness programmes, establishing a 100-kilometre Vulture Safe Zone with panchayat participation, and publishing Chhattisgarh's first vulture rehabilitation action plan.By combining technology with traditional knowledge and community participation, Indravati Tiger Reserve is demonstrating how visionary leadership can foster a balanced ecosystem where wildlife and people co-exist.CM Sai and forest and climate change minister Kedar Kashyap have directed the establishment of Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) within the reserve. These zones aim to mitigate threats such as the use of toxic NSAIDs in livestock, unsafe carcass disposal, and human interference.