Udaipur, June 5, 2025 - A general meeting of the Jantualaya Vikas Trust (Zoo Development Trust) was held yesterday, June 4, under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Pragya Kevalramani. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed that technology be utilised to provide an enhanced experience for tourists at wildlife sanctuaries and at the Sajjangarh Biological Park. Discussions were also held on improving facilities for foreign tourists and launching the lion safari soon.

Owing to the adverse environmental impact of commercial and industrial activities within a one-kilometre radius of the Baghdara Crocodile Conservation Reserve, it was agreed to draft a proposal and send it to the government for necessary action.

Udaipur District Collector Namit Mehta emphasised the need to install signage boards on all major routes to facilitate tourists and promote wildlife-related tourist destinations in Udaipur. He also suggested that brochures and pamphlets containing information about various tourist sites in the city should be made available to tourists at different locations.

Forest department officials informed that during 2024-25, more than five lakh tourists had visited the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, generating a revenue of Rs 11 crore for the Trust. Meanwhile, the Bio Park received 2.59 lakh tourists, generating revenue of more than Rs 68 lakh. 

Around 27 projects worth Rs 2.85 crore were approved in the meeting to be implemented in 2025-26. These include:

• Rs 18 lakh for the eradication of Lantana grass from 50 hectares in the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rs 3 lakh for the repair of a pre-constructed patrolling track and a train
• Rs 35 lakh for increasing the height of the wall along the road from the main gate of the sanctuary to Hawala, as well as the parking area wall
• Rs 15 lakh for maintenance and infrastructure of the sanctuary’s divisional and range offices
• Rs 53 lakh for the completion of remaining works of the Lion Safari.

The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) SR Yadav, Additional Divisional Commissioner CR Dewasi, Deputy Director of Tourism Shikha Saxena, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Yadvendra Singh Chundawat, along with other Trust members.

Source: Media Reports