Efforts to add new forest blocks to the Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve have increased. The Forest Department has formed a committee of experts to survey and determine the buffer and core zones of the reserve. The committee will submit its report to the government by October 31, 2024.

In the first phase, the team inspected the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary and Todgarh-Raoli Sanctuary. They also examined the Sayra Range in Udaipur district on September 5,2024. The committee is evaluating several factors, including vegetation, grasslands, wildlife movement, highways, and mining activities. The goal is to incorporate new areas into the Tiger Reserve based on the committee's findings.

Survey of Additional Areas

Rajsamand DFO Sudarshan Sharma mentioned that the team will survey additional areas next week. This includes Udaipur’s Dewla Range, Kotra, and parts of Pindwara Highway, as well as Jawai and Sadri in Pali district. Notably, Pali’s Jawai area is renowned for leopard safaris.

Phulwari Ki Naal Area to Include in Reserve

The Phulwari Ki Naal Sanctuary in Udaipur district and parts of Mount Abu in Sirohi district will also be included in the reserve. A new tourist circuit will be created, connecting these areas. 

Movement of Wildlife

The Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary spans 610 square kilometers, while Todgarh-Raoli  Sanctuary covers 495 square kilometers. There is limited forest area beyond Beawar in the Kumbhalgarh Reserve. To address this, development efforts are underway in southern Rajasthan. 

Bears move between Mount Abu, Phulwari, Kumbhalgarh, and Gujarat’s forests. A natural corridor exists here, allowing tigers to travel towards Gujarat. The Kumbhalgarh area links to Udaipur’s Sayra Range, Dewla Range, Phulwari Ki Naal, Gujarat's Polo Forest, and Mount Abu, creating a natural corridor for tigers.

Source: Dainik Bhaskar