Sariska Tiger Reserve's critical habitat to grow by 4.5k hectares

Jaipur: The Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) is likely to expand by approximately 4,500 hectares following a rationalisation exercise mandated by Supreme Court of India's Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

The expansion and rationalisation were based on the breeding patterns and movement behaviour of tigers at STR. Areas where no tiger movement or breeding was observed were proposed to be removed from the CTH, while zones showing consistent tiger activity were identified for inclusion to strengthen habitat protection and management, said officials.

"The fragmented nature of the existing CTH has created legal and management challenges. The revised boundaries of the sanctuary will be aligned with the core/critical habitat of STR. A committee of experts was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to conduct a scientific study in compliance with the CEC's recommendations," said a senior forest official.

According to the draft, land parcels currently part of the old CTH but disconnected from the main core area and lacking tiger presence would be excluded, said sources. In exchange, land from buffer areas where regular tiger movement and breeding were recorded would be incorporated into the CTH. "Land parcels near Sariska's Tehla, Siliberi Da Gate, Bansur, and the Jaipur Wildlife boundary were proposed to be removed from the CTH," added a source.

Meanwhile, the buffer area adjoining Alwar city was proposed to be added though portions immediately adjacent to the urban area would be excluded to prevent restrictions on local residents under CTH regulations within a one-kilometre radius, he added.

"The draft will now seek approvals from State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) before being sent to the CEC," said the source.

The notification of STR's Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) was also scheduled to be carried out after the rationalisation of the CTH. State govt has sought an extension to complete this process, and the ESZ notification was expected before Dec 31, 2025.