Sariska’s Shifting Sands: Tiger Reserve Boundary Reshaped Amid Mining Fears
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved a controversial redrawing of the Sariska Tiger Reserve boundaries in Rajasthan. The decision expands the core tiger habitat while simultaneously shrinking the buffer zone.
This move has sparked immediate concerns amongst conservationists. They fear the reduction in buffer zone size could pave the way for increased mining activity in the vicinity.
The Supreme Court is closely monitoring the situation. The court’s mandate requires the total area of critical tiger habitat to remain unchanged.
The NBWL has, however, assured the implementation of stringent protection measures for the newly designated buffer zone. A committee has been tasked with overseeing this.
The long-term impact of these boundary changes on Sariska’s fragile ecosystem and its tiger population remains to be seen. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between conservation and development in India, a challenge that demands careful and transparent management to safeguard our wildlife heritage. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this decision ultimately benefits or harms Sariska’s future.
