India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Chhattisgarh

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 03.03.2025

Pin code: 493889

Status: Available

PO Name: Gariaband

Description: Gariaband is a city and district headquarters located in Chhattisgarh. One of the notable attractions in the region is the Udanti Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary situated near the Gariaband taluka in Raipur district. The history of Udanti Sanctuary dates back to 1983 when the Chhattisgarh government designated the forests in the southeast of Gariaband taluka as a protected area. This initiative aimed to protect the Asiatic wild buffalo and various species of flora and fauna found in the state. The Asiatic wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is an endangered species, classified as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, indicating that it receives the highest priority for conservation efforts. The wild buffalo is the third-largest terrestrial mammal in India, following the elephant and the rhinoceros. 

In July 2001, the wild buffalo was officially declared the state animal of Chhattisgarh. Wild buffaloes are significantly larger and heavier than domestic buffaloes, with weights ranging between 600 and 1,200 kg, making them one of the heaviest wild buffalo species, only slightly smaller than the gaur. Wildlife organizations have partnered with the Chhattisgarh Forest Department to assess and conserve the state’s wild buffalo population. Their surveys revealed a very low population in the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, with the species identified as locally extinct in other areas. The findings indicated that the wild buffalo population in central India is mainly concentrated in Chhattisgarh, with an estimated 39 to 47 individuals located in the Indravati, Udanti, and Pamed regions. The Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) is recognized as a key area for the restoration of wild buffalo in central India. The wild buffalo population faces various threats, including habitat degradation, hunting, a small population size, and a lack of awareness among stakeholders. Additionally, the national park is home to several other hoofed species and a wide variety of bird species.