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News18
23-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve Under Threat As Mining Push Prompts Boundary Shift
Last Updated: The Rajasthan government's plan to alter Sariska Tiger Reserve's boundaries for mining leases has sparked outrage among conservationists, raising fears of ecological damage A controversial proposal by the Rajasthan government to alter the core boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve has sparked outrage among wildlife conservationists and raised fears of a major ecological setback. At the heart of the controversy lies a plan to shrink parts of Sariska's Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) while expanding it elsewhere. If implemented, this reshaping of Sariska's map could pave the way for the revival of over 50 mining leases previously barred under environmental restrictions. According to the official proposal currently under review, the government intends to exclude 48.39 square kilometres of land from the CTH, terming it 'eroded peripheral hills" that are already 'impacted by human activities". In exchange, it suggests adding 90.91 square kilometres from the buffer zone – areas considered of relatively lesser protection – arguing that this swap will create 'quality tiger habitat" and foster 'harmony" between forest authorities and local communities. 'This move is deeply unfortunate," said Sunayan Sharma, a retired Indian Forest Service officer and former Field Director of Sariska. We lost all our tigers in 2004 and spent years restoring the population. Today, with 48 tigers, including several cubs, we are seeing hope. Undermining this fragile recovery by opening up pathways for mining is akin to inviting disaster, Sharma added. Sharma was among the key figures in the massive relocation and rehabilitation efforts that brought tigers back to Sariska in 2008 after they were declared locally extinct. Critics argue that the land proposed for exclusion isn't merely degraded, it includes critical wildlife corridors. These narrow natural pathways allow tigers to move between different parts of the forest and are vital for their genetic diversity, territorial spread, and safety. Emotions also run high among local conservation activists. Sunil Mehta, president of the Sariska Tiger Foundation, said the proposal feels like a betrayal of years of hard-won progress. 'We fought to bring Sariska back to life. Tigers returned. The forest began to breathe again," Mehta said, visibly emotional, adding, 'Now, if mining resumes, what legacy are we leaving behind? That we chose industry over integrity, concrete over cubs?" According to Mehta and other experts, reintroducing mining in the area – even just outside the core boundary – will intensify noise, pollution, and human activity, directly threatening tiger habitats and the reserve's ecological balance. The state government maintains that the proposed boundary realignment is scientifically sound and socially balanced. Officials argue that the new areas being added to the CTH are of high ecological value, and that the shift will not compromise tiger conservation. However, many experts remain unconvinced. 'The claim that this is for better coordination with communities sounds more like a cover for economic interests," said a conservation policy analyst. 'We've seen such narratives before – conservation rebranded as compromise." The proposal is currently pending approval before the State Wildlife Board. If it clears that hurdle, it will be forwarded to the National Board for Wildlife for final review. If greenlit, over 50 mines, dormant due to environmental safeguards, could resume operations almost immediately. First Published: June 23, 2025, 16:29 IST
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
Rajasthan: Sariska tigress welcomes 4 cubs, tiger count hits 49 — time to book that safari
In a significant development for wildlife conservation, a six-year-old tigress, designated ST-19, has given birth to four cubs in the Bareli-Bari area of the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan. This marks her third litter, increasing her total offspring to nine. With the arrival of these new cubs, the tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve has risen to 49, signaling a significant achievement in the conservation efforts within the reserve. This event is especially significant because it is the first time that four cubs are born at the same time in the buffer zone, which is already home to seven resident tigers. In the past, tigresses ST-12 and ST-22 also gave birth to four cubs each in the same year, suggesting that the tiger population in the reserve is growing in a favourable manner. Rajasthan's Forest Minister, Sanjay Sharma, shared the news on social media, stating, "Good news from Sariska Tiger Reserve! Tigress ST-19 has been sighted with four healthy cubs for the first time. She is the third tigress in Sariska to give birth to four cubs in a span of one year. A promising sign for tiger conservation efforts in the region." Read more: The timeless mystery of Stonehenge, and the secrets buried in stone Chief Conservator of Forests, Sangram Singh, confirmed that camera traps captured images of ST-19 and her cubs, all of whom appear healthy. He urged the public to avoid entering the tigress's territory to prevent any disturbance to the wildlife. The Sariska Tiger Reserve has a storied history in tiger conservation. After a period of zero tiger sightings in the early 2000s, the reserve became the site of India's first successful tiger relocation program. Over the past two decades, concerted efforts by the state forest department have led to a steady increase in the tiger population. Dinesh Durani Verma, founder of the Sariska Tiger Foundation, remarked, "From zero to a population about to touch 50 is a success story. The conservation efforts of the state forest department over two decades made it possible." With the rise in tiger numbers, forest officials anticipate an increase in eco-tourism, as sightings in the reserve have become more frequent. However, they emphasize the importance of responsible tourism to ensure the continued well-being of the wildlife. Read more: France introduces mandatory online visa appointment system: What travellers need to know The birth of these four cubs not only adds to the reserve's tiger count but also serves as a reminder to the success of sustained conservation efforts in Sariska. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
