Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR)

Why in news?

• To ensure systematic and time-bound implementation of the Greater Panna Landscape Management plan, the Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh with members from all the stakeholders.

Key facts about the Panna Tiger Reserve

• Panna Tiger Reserve is a critical tiger habitat located in Vindhya Hill in northern Madhya Pradesh.
• The dominating vegetation type is dry deciduous forest interspread with grassland
• In the north, it is surrounded by teak forest & in the east, it is surrounded by Teak-Kardhai mixed forest.
• The North East-South West, running Vindhya Hill ranges link the eastern and western populations of wild animals.
• Fauna:  Leopard, Wild dog, wolf, Hyaena, Sloth bear etc.

What is Ken-Betwa Link Project?

• Under this, the transfer of excess water from the River Ken to the Betwa basin through the use of a concrete canal is proposed.
• It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers.
• It aims to provide irrigation to the Bundelkhand region, which is one of the worst drought-affected areas in India.
• A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Centre and the governments of UP and MP for the project.
• Implementing Agency: A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA) will be set up to implement the project.