In a development that nature lovers in the State will rejoice, the Maharashtra Government on Tuesday declared 29.53-sq km Tillari forest area in Sawantwadi division of Sindhudrug district in coastal Konkan region as a Conservation Reserve.

In line with an announcement made to this effect by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who is wildlife photographer himself, the State Revenue and Forest department came out with a notification declaring the Tillari forest area in Sawantwadi division as a Conservation Reserve.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said: “While undertaking development initiative, we cannot ignore  wildlife and biodiversity. Development, wildlife protection and tribal welfare should go hand in hand. We will continue priority to biodiversity in the state”

Uddhav said that an experts’committee would be set up for management of the 29.53-sq km area in Tillari which will be the first conservation reserve in Sindhudurg district.

“Among other things, the Tillari Conservation Reserve will generate employment for locals in the areas, the release stated..

Maharashtra is home to 62 conservation reserves, of which 13 are in the Western Ghats.

Nestled in the Western Ghats on the cusp of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, the thick Tillari forest is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, tigers and gava (Indian bison).

The Tillari forest area also boasts of  birds like  Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Drongo, Yellow-Browed Bulbul, Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Orange-Headed Ground Thrush and Indian Scimitar Babbler.