The Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan is set to expand, covering new areas in Udaipur’s Dewla and Sayra ranges. This extension, along with tourism developments, is expected to bring new opportunities for employment and attract more visitors to the region.

Reserve Area Expansion

The core and buffer zones of the tiger reserve will now include parts of Udaipur district, particularly the Devla and Sayra ranges, adding around 142 square kilometers. This addition increases the total reserve area to approximately 1,420 square kilometers, although the final area might be reduced to 1,397 square kilometers if some forest sections are excluded.

Safari Zones

The expanded reserve allows for tiger safaris. Up to 20% of the core area may be opened for safari, while the entire buffer zone will be accessible for tours. The inclusion of Udaipur’s buffer zones raises hopes that tiger safaris will soon be available in the Udaipur district.

Core and Buffer Zones

The core area of the reserve will comprise 489 square kilometers from Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary and 107 square kilometers from the Raoli Todgarh Sanctuary, totaling 596 square kilometers. The buffer zone will cover:

• 114 square kilometers from Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary,
• 357 square kilometers from Raoli Todgarh,
•  23 square kilometers from Rajsamand,
• 118 square kilometers from Pali,
• 70 square kilometers from Sirohi, and
• 142 square kilometers from Udaipur district.

Excluded Areas

Certain areas, including those beyond Pindwara and the Devla-Kotda side along the Udaipur-Pindwara Highway, are excluded from the reserve. Only forested areas are included in the buffer zone, while revenue and village lands remain separate.

Planning and Survey

An expert committee with 11 members was established to survey potential reserve areas, assessing forest blocks, highways, and mining sites. The committee completed its report by October 31 and submitted it to the government for approval.

Tourism Growth in Udaipur

The reserve’s expansion aligns with the growing tourism in Udaipur’s rural areas, such as Jhadol and Jaisamand. In recent years, numerous hotels and resorts have opened in Gogunda, and the newly included areas in Devla and Sayra are expected to become new tourism hubs. This growth will provide local employment opportunities, making tourism an economic boon for the region.

Source: Media Reports