Boundary Rationalisation of Sariska Tiger Reserve

Context:

The SC-NBWL has approved Rajasthan’s proposal to redraw Sariska Tiger Reserve’s Critical Tiger Habitat and buffer zones, aiming to resolve ecological and administrative issues as per CEC recommendations, pending Supreme Court review.

Sariska Tiger Reserve – Ecological Significance

Location:Alwar district, Rajasthan
Status: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger
Flora and Fauna: Dry deciduous forests, Bengal tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, sambhars, nilgai
Unique Issue: Entire tiger population had become extinct by 2005; tigers were later reintroduced (first successful tiger relocation effort globally).

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) & Buffer Zones – Definitions

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) (Core area):
- Notified under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Areas within Tiger Reserves identified for inviolate protection of tigers
- Requires mandatory informed consent from affected tribal communities prior to relocation (per Forest Rights Act, 2006)
Buffer Zone:
- Peripheral areas of Tiger Reserves meant for coexistence of conservation and livelihood, lesser restrictions than core areas.

Proposed Rationalisation in Sariska:

CTH to increase: From 11 sq. km to 924.49 sq. km
Buffer area to reduce: From 72 sq. km to 203.2 sq. km
Rationale:
- Address fragmentation
- Clarify forest boundaries
- Support tiger breeding areas
- Manage legal/administrative challenges, particularly around mining

Mining and Environmental Concerns

Issue: Supreme Court had closed over 50 mines in 2023–24 due to their proximity to CTH.
CEC Observations:
- Mining leases had been granted due to unclear forest boundaries
- Rationalisation should avoid any net loss in CTH area
- Maintain ecological connectivity even in low tiger-density zones
NBWL Condition:
- Prevent developmental activities harmful to wildlife
- Strengthen habitat monitoring, community engagement, and patrolling