Rajasthan
Sariska Tiger Reserve
- 17 Dec 2024
- 3 min read
Why in News?
The Supreme Court has emphasized the need to balance the protection of Sariska Tiger Reserve's wildlife with the religious sentiments of devotees visiting the Pandupol Hanuman temple.
Key Points
- Concerns Over Vehicle Traffic:
- The court raised concerns about unregulated vehicle traffic impacting wildlife in the reserve, particularly during high footfall days.
- It is suggested that introducing electric shuttle buses as an alternative to reduce the stress on wildlife while ensuring visitor access.
- The Supreme Court established a committee comprising local authorities and the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to explore solutions that balance ecological conservation and religious needs.
- The court also recognized the concerns of the temple trust and devotees about the sudden halt of private vehicles, which would affect thousands of visitors on key religious days.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
- About:
- Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Aravali hills and forms a part of the Alwar District of Rajasthan.
- It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was declared a tiger reserve later in 1978, making it a part of India's Project Tiger.
- It encompasses ruined temples, forts, pavilions and a palace.
- Kankarwadi Fort is located in the centre of the reserve. It is said that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh at this fort in the struggle for succession to the throne.
- It also houses a famous temple of lord Hanuman at Pandupole related to Pandavas.
- Flora and Fauna:
- It is characterised by rocky landscapes, arid scrub-thorn forests, grasslands, cliffs, and semi-deciduous forests.
- It is dominated by dhok trees, salar, kadaya, gol, ber, banyan, gugal, bamboo, kair, etc.
- It also supports a diverse array of other animals such as Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, hyenas, and jungle cats.
