Current Context The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal is set to become India’s second-largest tiger sanctuary.

• A proposal to expand the reserve by 1,100 square kilometres is under consideration by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Once approved, the area will increase from 2,585.89 sq km to 3,629.57 sq km.

 ABOUT THE PROPOSAL

• Forest Ranges to be Added:
  • Raidighi
  • Matla
  • Ramganga (all in South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal)
• Significance: After expansion, the STR will be second followed by Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradeshin terms of area.