Sundarbans Tiger Reserve has become India’s second largest following the area expansion

The National Board of Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by the Union minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, sanctioned the West

Proposal from the Bengal government to expand the size of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR).

Now STR is only smaller than Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in size and promotes it from the seventh to the second-biggest tiger sanctuary among India's 58 tiger reserves.

Process for establishing or modifying a Tiger reserve

Tiger Reserves are designated by State Governments in accordance with the provisions of Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on guidance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

The steps involved in the notification are as follows:

Proposal is received from the State.

Approval in principle is conveyed from the

National Tiger Conservation Authority, requesting comprehensive proposals in accordance with section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority advises the submission to the State following thorough examination.

The area is designated as a Tiger by the State Government set aside.

Procedure for modification: According to section 38 W (1) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. No change in the limits of a tiger reserve must be established only based on a recommendation of the Tiger Conservation Authority and the authorization of the National Wildlife Board.

Similar suggestions are also sourced from the State.

Regarding Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR)

Place: Coastal regions of West Bengal

Only mangrove forests around the globe (apart from Bangladesh) to support a substantial population of tigers.

Boundaries:

Limited on the east by the border between nations with Bangladesh created by the rivers Harinbhanga, Raimangal and Kalindi.

To the south is the Bay of Bengal.

The river Matla constitutes the western border.

To the north-west, the region is bordered by rivers.