SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI

DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY REPORT

Flyer

Short tour to “Tipeshwar wildlife sanctuary, Padharkawada


Activity Dates: 31th March 2025

Type of Activity: Field Studies

Organizing Department: Department of Environmental Science

Program Coordinators: Mr. V. D. Bute

Head of the Department: Dr. S. P. Ingole

External Collaborator (if any): No

Objectives:

No of Beneficieries: 22

Classes Involved: B.Sc. II year CEB and CEZ

Venue of the Activity: Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Padharkawada

Activity Report:

Introduction
The Department of Environmental Science, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, organized a two-day educational tour to Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, on 31st March and 1st April 2024. The tour was conducted under the DBT Star College Scheme of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, which encourages practical and research-oriented learning among undergraduate science students.

The tour was specifically arranged for 23 undergraduate students pursuing their degree in Environmental Science. The group was accompanied by three faculty members from the department. The purpose of the visit was to offer students exposure to real-life ecosystems, wildlife conservation efforts, and the interaction between natural habitats and local communities.

About the Sanctuary
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated near Pandharkawada in Yavatmal district, spans an area of approximately 148.63 square kilometers. This sanctuary is a part of the Eastern Vidarbha region and falls under the jurisdiction of the Pandharkawada Forest Division. It is named after Goddess Tipai, whose temple lies within the sanctuary’s bounds. The sanctuary features a blend of dry deciduous forest and patches of grasslands, with seasonal streams and small water bodies that serve as lifelines for wildlife.

Despite its relatively smaller area compared to other national parks and reserves, Tipeshwar boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to a growing population of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs, nilgai (blue bulls), wild boars, chinkaras, sambars, chitals, and numerous bird and reptile species. The sanctuary has gained popularity in recent years for its tiger sightings and conservation success, making it an ideal location for field-based academic learning.






Tour Schedule and Activities
The team departed from Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, in the early hours of 31st March 2024. A comfortable journey of around six hours brought the group to the sanctuary area, where arrangements for accommodation and food had been made in collaboration with the local eco-tourism center. Upon arrival, the students were briefed on the two-day schedule, general behavioral guidelines within forest areas, and the importance of observing silence and discipline during field visits.

Later that afternoon, an orientation session was conducted by a local forest ranger. The ranger provided insights into the topography, biodiversity, and ongoing conservation projects at Tipeshwar. The students were introduced to the challenges of managing a protected forest area, especially in light of human-wildlife conflict and changing climate conditions. The discussion also included the importance of local community involvement in conservation, eco-tourism models, and forest protection.

On the morning of 1st April 2024, the group set out early for a jungle safari inside the sanctuary, entering through the Sunna gate. Students were divided into smaller batches and boarded open safari vehicles, each guided by an experienced forest guard. The safari lasted for nearly three hours and covered different zones of the sanctuary. Though tiger sightings are never guaranteed, students observed signs of their presence, including fresh pugmarks and scratch marks on tree trunks. The guides explained how to interpret such signs and the methods used to monitor and track large carnivores.

During the safari, the students were fortunate to observe several species in their natural habitat, including spotted deer, langurs, wild boars, Indian peacocks, jungle fowl, parakeets, and raptors like crested serpent eagles. Many students took detailed notes and photographs, which they later used in their field reports. Birdwatching, in particular, was a highlight for many, as the sanctuary is known for attracting a variety of resident and migratory bird species.

Following the safari, the group returned for breakfast and then participated in a guided nature walk in the buffer zone. This walk, led by a local naturalist, focused on identifying native plant species, understanding their ecological roles, and learning about the interdependence between flora and fauna in a forest ecosystem. The naturalist shared valuable information about medicinal plants and how tribal communities traditionally use them.

A brief visit was also made to a local eco-tourism center and souvenir shop managed by a forest-based women’s self-help group. Students interacted with the community members who discussed how sustainable tourism has improved their livelihood without negatively affecting the sanctuary's ecology. This interaction gave students a human perspective on conservation—emphasizing that preserving forests is as much about people as it is about animals.

In the afternoon, the students attended an informal feedback session with the faculty members. They were encouraged to reflect on their experience and share their learnings from the tour. Many students mentioned that witnessing wildlife in its natural setting helped them understand ecological concepts better than textbooks ever could. Several students expressed an interest in pursuing careers in wildlife conservation, environmental research, and forestry.

The tour concluded with a group photo session and the journey back to Amravati began in the evening of 1st April. During the return, the students continued discussing the sightings and experiences from the trip. They were asked to prepare individual field reports summarizing their observations, which would be used for internal academic evaluation.

Conclusion
The short educational tour to Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pandharkawada, organized on 31st March and 1st April 2024, provided an immersive and memorable experience for the 23 undergraduate students who participated. This field trip offered them an opportunity to engage directly with nature, understand forest ecology, and observe biodiversity in action. It also fostered an appreciation for the delicate balance between conservation efforts and human development.

Such experiences are vital in strengthening the environmental awareness and scientific curiosity of young learners. The hands-on exposure and practical insights gained during the visit will undoubtedly enhance the students’ academic growth and personal development. The Department of Environmental Science is grateful to the college administration, the DBT Star College Scheme, the Forest Department officials, and local guides for their support and cooperation in making this educational tour a resounding success.

The department looks forward to organizing similar tours and field visits in the future to continue fostering experiential learning and a deeper connection with the natural world among its students. Tourists become familiar with the region’s biodiversity, including animal behavior and native plant life.

Outcomes:

Photos:

Visit to Pacharda Budhha Vihar
Visit to Pacharda Budhha Vihar
Jangal Safari at Tipeshwar
Jangal Safari at Tipeshwar
Tiger Sighting at Tipeshwar
Tiger Sighting at Tipeshwar
Machang Photo
Machang Photo
Group photo with all staff and students
Group photo with all staff and students
Sighting at Tipeshwar
Sighting at Tipeshwar

Attendance Sheet: