In Kumbhalgarh, the Forest Department is actively working to establish the region's first Tiger Reserve Area. This project encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at creating a suitable habitat for tigers. One of the key elements of this effort involves the development of dedicated grasslands for herbivorous animals, which serves the dual purpose of ensuring their well-being and supporting their breeding. By providing herbivores with ample grazing opportunities, the ecosystem becomes more balanced, thus enhancing the available prey for tigers. This not only contributes to the conservation of these magnificent big cats but also ensures that tigers in the jungle have a sustained and adequate food supply, promoting a healthier and more sustainable wildlife habitat.

Kumbhalgarh has secured the official endorsement of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for the establishment of a Tiger Reserve Area. The formal notification is still pending. When the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary and Raoli Todgarh Sanctuary are amalgamated, it will result in a vast reserve area spanning around 2800 square kilometers. Moreover, there is potential for further expansion if additional areas are included.

In the past year, Kumbhalgarh introduced 30 chital deer from Sajjangarh Biopark to strengthen the genetic diversity within the Tiger Reserve Area. These chital are being carefully bred within enclosures, and within a year, we have witnessed the birth of 10 new offspring. Furthermore, a 400-hectare grassland is under development within the sanctuary, specifically designed to cater to the dietary needs of herbivorous wildlife, including indigenous grass species.

Conservation of Mahseer Fish

The region surrounding a significant lake has been officially designated as a Conservation Reserve with the aim of safeguarding the Mahseer fish. Last Thursday, the Forest Department's advisory committee convened to deliberate on the conservation strategy. The meeting, presided over by CCF R.K. Jain, covered a range of topics, including the upstream migration zone for mahseer fish, the ecosystem's food chain, breeding patterns, lake pollution, and habitat preservation, among other critical aspects.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) has issued instructions for the prompt convening of a management committee meeting to formulate a conservation plan. The primary objectives of this plan are to curtail pollution-inducing activities in the major lake, address impediments in the mahseer fish migration zone, and oversee the management of tourism activities within the lake.