Jaipur Forests Restructured for Tiger Defense

In a strategic move to enhance wildlife protection and administrative efficiency, the forest department has drafted a comprehensive restructuring of forest divisions in and around Jaipur. This plan aims to create extended buffer zones for the Sariska Tiger Reserve by incorporating areas like Beelwadi and Virat Nagar into a new STR-2 division. This will provide more structured monitoring for tigers dispersing from Sariska and improve habitat protection.

The current Jaipur Wildlife Division is set to be reorganized due to its extensive jurisdiction. Ranges in Dausa, Bandikui, Jamwaramgarh, and Raisar will form a new administrative unit. This separation is intended to ensure closer monitoring of forest areas and allow for quicker enforcement against issues such as illegal mining.

Furthermore, an independent division will be established for Nahargarh Biological Park, Hathi Gaon, Jhalana Leopard Reserve, and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This specialized unit, likely headed by an Indian Forest Service officer, will focus on wildlife management, rescue operations, and the administration of zoo and sanctuary areas.

Recognizing the growing importance of areas like Jhalana and Hathi Gaon as wildlife tourism destinations, the restructuring aims to maintain high standards of conservation and visitor management. The proposal also includes the creation of over a dozen new forest ranges across newly proposed districts, each with defined responsibilities for patrolling and corridor protection. The plan awaits final approval and will be implemented in phases.