Boundary Boost: Sariska Tiger Reserve's New Proposal Advances

The boundary rationalisation proposal for Sariska Tiger Reserve's Critical Tiger Habitat has earned approval from the Rajasthan Wildlife Board. The proposal now awaits consideration by the National Board for Wildlife. This decision marks a significant milestone in the management of the protected area, potentially unlocking opportunities for local mine operators.

The proposed boundary adjustments aim to exclude human-impacted hilly areas from the Critical Tiger Habitat, substituting the lost land with buffer zones. This change could provide relief to marble and dolomite mines affected by a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. However, forest department officials express concerns about maintaining habitat connectivity for tigers in the area.

Despite potential benefits, some stakeholders worry that the exclusion of peripheral hills may sever internal connections within the reserve, crucial for tiger movement. This contentious issue is compounded by longstanding land disputes, and it now awaits further evaluation by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife later this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)