In a significant development for wildlife conservation and tourism, the expansion of the Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve in Rajsamand city is poised to include forest areas from Udaipur district. This move marks the tiger's anticipated presence in Udaipur, promising new opportunities for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. Rajsamand's District Forest Officer Sudarshan Sharma clarified that only forest areas will be encompassed within the Tiger Reserve, ensuring the exclusion of any villages. 

Expansion Details

Seven sections of the Bhanpura Range Area which is 2100 hectares of forest land will be joined into the tiger reserve. Bhanpura range comes under Sayra Range Area, covering 13,218 hectares. While forest department officials intend to include sections near Kumbhalgarh and Rawli Todgarh Sanctuary into the Tiger Reserve, the process is temporarily halted due to the election code of conduct.

Tourism Boost

The inclusion of the Sayra Range Area is expected to increase tourism in the surrounding regions, particularly with its proximity to popular attractions like Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh Fort. The upcoming Luv Kush Vatika in Sayra, just 3 kilometers away from Bhanpura, is anticipated to draw a higher number of tourists, offering adventure activities within the park premises. 

Wildlife Corridors and Conservation Efforts

The forest areas adjoining Gogunda and Sayra Range, adjacent to the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, already serve as crucial wildlife corridors. Observations of bears and sloth bears traversing through these areas from the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary highlight the existing corridors established for wildlife, which could potentially facilitate the movement of tigers into these regions.

Existing Wildlife Sanctuaries and Safari Opportunities

Udaipur district already has three wildlife sanctuaries, including Sajjangarh, Jaisamand, and Phulwari ki Naal, along with offering jeep safaris for tourists. Plans are underway to introduce tiger safaris in the Sajjangarh Sanctuary, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness tigers from jeeps within a designated enclosure. Additionally, tourists will soon have the chance to observe tigers in the wild for the first time in the Sayra Range.

This expansion of the Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve signifies a significant step towards wildlife conservation and ecotourism, promising new experiences for visitors while safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the region.

Source: Dainik Bhaskar