Udaipur,November 5,2024 - Despite the state government’s announcement a year ago, Rajasthan’s largest proposed leopard conservation reserve in Udaipur remains on hold, with no progress in sight. Rising human-wildlife conflicts, particularly involving leopards, are becoming a concern for Udaipur and Rajsamand residents. Leopards have increasingly been spotted in populated areas, resulting in a surge of attacks on people.

Tourism Potential for Udaipur

The Amrakhji Leopard Reserve is set to become a unique tourist attraction in Udaipur, similar to Jhalana and Jawai, where leopards can be observed in their natural habitat. Currently, Sajjangarh Biological Park is the only spot for wildlife tourism in Udaipur, and the leopard safari at Jaisamand does not guarantee frequent sightings.

Project Announcement and Delays

The notification for the Amrakhji Leopard Conservation Reserve in Udaipur was initially issued on October 7, 2023. Later, in July 2024, it was included in the state budget, yet no budget allocation has been made so far. The Forest Department has submitted a budget proposal of around Rs 33 crore, but the approval is still pending, stalling the project.

Conservation Efforts Planned

Efforts are underway to create a sustainable environment for the leopards by increasing the number of herbivores in the reserve. Plans include a 100-hectare grassland and a 3.5-hectare enclosure for herbivores like Chital, Deer, Sambar, and Chinkara to serve as prey for the leopards. A 68-kilometer, 6-foot-high boundary wall will be constructed around the reserve to prevent leopards from straying into nearby populated areas.

Patrolling and Safari Plans

Once completed, Amrakhji will have a second leopard safari for the district, in addition to Jaisamand. Three patrolling tracks are proposed, measuring 33 km, 20.5 km, and 53.5 km, which will eventually be opened to safari tours.

Reserve Expansion and Wildlife Surveillance

Covering an extensive area of 7,000 hectares, the reserve will span from the Amarkh Ji Mahadev temple to Debari, passing through Kurabad and including substantial parts of the Mavli and Kurabad regions, as well as Udaisagar Lake. Six checkpoints and two watchtowers will be constructed for monitoring, along with improved water access through six borewells, 18 anicuts, and ponds. A 48-kilometer pipeline will transport water to the reserve.