The expansion of Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve is expected to take place in Rajasthan’s Pali district. The buffer zone might extend from the Bali range in Pali to Pindwara in Sirohi.  

Inspection of Pali and Sirohi Forests

On Wednesday, retired IFS officers T.C. Verma and Rajpal Singh Tanwar, along with committee chairman S.R.V. Murthy and Deputy Conservator Sudarshan Sharma, inspected the forests in Pindwara and Bali ranges. These forests, being connected to the core area of the proposed Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve, are being considered as possible buffer zones.

Committee Conducts Survey of Buffer Zones

An expert committee, formed for the Tiger Reserve, conducted a survey of the proposed areas in the buffer zone on Wednesday, October 16,2024. The 11-member committee, constituted in July, is required to submit its report to the state government by October 31, 2024. The report will define the core area, critical tiger habitat, buffer zone, and periphery area of the proposed tiger reserve. It will also include plans for relocating villages within the core area.

Approval and Future Plans

The National Tiger Conservation Authority had already given in-principle approval for the Kumbhalgarh Tiger Project on August 22, 2023. Once the government issues the notification, Kumbhalgarh will become the sixth tiger reserve in Rajasthan. 

Rajasthan's Existing Tiger Reserves

1. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
2. Sariska Tiger Reserve
3. Mukundra Tiger Reserve  
4. Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
5. Karauli-Dholpur Tiger Reserve

Proposal of Tiger Reserve of these Districts

• Rajsamand
• Udaipur
• Pali
• Beawar
• Sirohi

Source: Media Reports