Pinki BorahThe Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan is set to undergo a significant change in its Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) boundaries. The proposed revision, introduced by the Rajasthan government, seeks to reopen over 50 marble and dolomite mines that were previously shut down due to their location near the reserve. By redrawing the CTH, certain areas would be excluded, potentially allowing mining operations to resume. The plan, currently under review, aims to balance wildlife conservation with local economic interests.
1. What Is the Sariska Tiger Reserve
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a protected area located in Rajasthan, India, where wild animals, especially tigers, are given a safe space to live. A tiger reserve is a special kind of forest where tigers are protected by law. People are not allowed to hunt, cut down trees, or build factories here.
Sariska is important not only because of its tigers but also because it is home to a variety of other animals, plants, birds, and insects. It is a natural classroom for children, nature lovers, scientists, and tourists alike.
2. Geography and Location the Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska lies in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
- Total Area: About 881 square kilometers
- Core Area: 497 sq. km (Critical Tiger Habitat)
- Buffer Area: 384 sq. km (for limited human use)
- Altitude: Between 300 to 722 meters above sea level
The landscape includes rocky hills, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and beautiful valleys.
3. History and Background of the Sariska Tiger Reserve
- 1955: Declared a wildlife sanctuary
- 1978: Became part of Project Tiger, a national tiger-saving program
- 2004: All tigers vanished due to poaching
- 2008: Government relocated tigers from Ranthambore
- Present Day: Tiger population is slowly recovering due to protection and monitoring
This history makes Sariska a story of loss, recovery, and hope.
4. Project Tiger and Sariska’s Role
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to save India’s endangered tiger population. Sariska was one of the first reserves included.
Sariska’s role was to:
- Provide a safe and healthy habitat for tigers
- Prevent human interference like mining, hunting, and deforestation
- Educate people on the importance of wildlife protection
5. Wildlife Found in Sariska
Sariska is not just about tigers. It is a rich treasure of biodiversity.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Leopards
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer (Chital)
- Nilgai (Blue Bull)
- Wild Boar
- Indian Jackal
- Hyenas
- Jungle Cat
- Rhesus Monkeys
- Langurs
Birds
- Peacocks
- Eagles
- Owls
- Parakeets
- Quails
- Treepies
- Over 200 bird species
Reptiles and Others
- Monitor Lizards
- Snakes
- Tortoises
6. Forest Type and Climate the Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska is a dry deciduous forest. That means it sheds its leaves during dry seasons to save water.
- Main Trees: Dhok, Tendu, Acacia, Ber
- Climate:
- Summer: Very hot, up to 45 degrees Celsius
- Winter: Cool and pleasant
- Monsoon: Moderate rainfall
This type of forest is perfect for tigers, deer, and other animals to roam and hide.
7. What Is Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)
A Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) is a highly protected zone inside a tiger reserve. In this area:
- No mining or factory work is allowed
- Human activities are limited or stopped
- The forest is kept as natural as possible
The goal is to give tigers and other wildlife a peaceful, undisturbed home.
8. Proposed Boundary Changes: What’s Happening Now
Recently, the Rajasthan government has proposed a new boundary plan for the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Why
Over 50 marble and dolomite mines were closed earlier because they were too close to the reserve. The government now wants to change the boundary of the CTH so these mines fall outside the protected zone.
What’s Next
- The plan is currently under review by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- If approved, these mines could start operating again
9. How Will This Impact Wildlife and People
Possible Benefits
- Local people may get jobs in mining
- Rajasthan’s economy could grow
- Revenue from marble and stone industries
Possible Concerns
- Forest area could shrink
- Tigers may lose hunting and breeding grounds
- Noise and pollution may disturb animals
- Human-wildlife conflict may increase
Wildlife experts worry that this move may undo years of conservation progress.
10. Tourism in the Sariska Tiger Reserve: A Natural Adventure
Sariska is a popular spot for nature lovers and tourists.
Things to Do
- Jeep Safari: Explore deep forest zones
- Wildlife Spotting: Tigers, leopards, birds
- Visit Kankwari Fort: A historical site inside the forest
- Pandupol Temple: A famous Hanuman temple
- Siliserh Lake: Ideal for boating and birdwatching
Tourism here must be eco-friendly to protect nature.
11. Local Communities and Their Role
Villagers live in or near the reserve. Their cooperation is vital.
- Some have been relocated to reduce human-animal conflict
- Many are involved in eco-tourism, guiding safaris or running guesthouses
- Forest officials work closely with locals for patrol and fire control
12. Challenges Faced by the Reserve
- Poaching: Illegal hunting still happens in some areas
- Forest Fires: Summer fires harm animals and trees
- Mining Pressure: Even near the buffer zone, mining can be harmful
- Water Shortage: A dry climate means fewer water sources for wildlife
13. Conservation Measures and Success Stories
Despite challenges, Sariska has seen progress.
- Tigers have returned and are breeding
- GPS collars are used to track their movement
- Forest guards patrol 24/7
- Water holes are built during summer
- Fencing and watchtowers protect borders
14. Interesting Facts About the Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Sariska is the first reserve in the world where tigers were relocated successfully
- The Kankwari Fort inside Sariska was once used to jail Dara Shikoh, brother of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
- It has its own wildlife hospital for injured animals
15. Why the Sariska Tiger Reserve Matters for India and the World
Sariska is more than a forest.
- It’s a symbol of wildlife recovery
- It’s a natural heritage site
- It’s part of India’s rich biodiversity
- It shows how humans and nature can coexist if managed wisely
16. Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is not just Rajasthan’s pride — it is India’s national treasure. Whether it’s protecting tigers, respecting forest boundaries, or educating future generations, we all share the responsibility to keep Sariska safe. Development is important, but it should not come at the cost of nature.
Neha Baruah
Tazrin Jakaria
Pinki Borah
Asik Syed