Rajasthan

• 27 Jan 2025

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News? 

The Forest Department has begun revising the boundaries of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary to address existing legal complications. This initiative originated during a meeting held in Jaipur led by Rajasthan's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden. 

 Key Points 

• Discussion in the meeting: 
  • The meeting focused on resolving disparities between: 
    • The sanctuary's original notification issued on September 22, 1980. 
    • The eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) notification issued on March 8, 2019. 
  • The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Jaipur Zoo, presented the sanctuary's original boundary details. 
    • The 1980 notification defined the sanctuary's boundaries using only 11 GPS coordinates. 
    • The ESZ map from 2019 marked 100 reference points leading to significant boundary differences. 
  • These inconsistencies have resulted in multiple legal cases and court challenges. 
• Decision on Revising Sanctuary Map: 
  • Authorities decided to create a revised sanctuary map based on the Revenue records and the 1980 notification. 
  • The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Jaipur Zoo, was assigned the task of drafting the new map. 
  • The draft map will be reviewed by a committee and subsequently submitted to the state government for approval. 
• Opposition from Environmental Activists: 
  • Environmental advocates have highlighted discrepancies in the sanctuary and ESZ maps, accusing the Forest Department of preparing a false map. 
  • A complaint was filed with the Lokayukta, which noted the issue. 
• Response from Forest Authorities: 
  • The Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Rajasthan, responded to the Lokayukta stating: 
    • Questioning the maps after seven years was inappropriate. 
    • The sanctuary and ESZ maps were approved and accurate. 

 Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary 

• About: 
  • Situated in the Aravalli hills, approximately 20 kilometres from Jaipur, Rajasthan. 
  • Named after Nahargarh Fort, an 18^th-century fort built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. 
  • Covers an area of 720 hectares. 
  • Includes Nahargarh Biological Park, renowned for its lion safaris. 
• Flora: Comprises dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands. 
• Fauna: 
  • Mammals: 
    • Common species include leopards, wild boars, deer, lions, tigers, sloth bears, and various small mammals. 
  • Birds: 
    • A paradise for bird watchers, featuring species such as peacocks, owls, and eagles. 
  • Reptiles and Amphibians: 
    • Home to reptiles like Indian rock pythons and monitor lizards. 
    • Amphibians such as frogs and toads are also found here.