Jaipur Forest Department Announces Major Administrative Overhaul for Wildlife Conservation
The Forest Department in Jaipur has developed a comprehensive restructuring plan for forest divisions across Jaipur and adjacent regions, aimed at significantly strengthening wildlife protection mechanisms while enhancing administrative efficiency, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
New STR-2 Division to Extend Sariska Tiger Reserve Protection
Under the draft proposal, specific areas including parts of Beelwara, Virat Nagar, Thanagazi, and Ajabgarh are slated to be incorporated into a newly designated STR-2 division that will be directly linked to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. A senior forest officer explained, "These territories are increasingly being utilized by tigers dispersing from Sariska. Integrating them under a dedicated division will enable more structured monitoring and improved habitat protection, effectively serving as an extended buffer zone for the reserve."
Creation of New Administrative Units for Better Oversight
Simultaneously, the ranges of Dausa and Bandikui, along with Jamwaramgarh and Raisar, are proposed to be separated from the existing Jaipur Wildlife Division to establish a completely new administrative unit. Department officials noted that the current jurisdiction is excessively extensive and frequently challenging to supervise effectively. "The primary objective is to ensure closer monitoring of forest territories. Some of these regions have previously experienced instances of illegal mining activities, and establishing a separate division will facilitate more focused oversight and swifter enforcement actions," another officer elaborated.
Independent Division for Nahargarh and Jhalana Areas
Another crucial component involves the establishment of an independent division encompassing Nahargarh Biological Park and Hathi Gaon. This division will also include the Jhalana Leopard Reserve and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. An officer from the Indian Forest Service is anticipated to lead this division, with responsibilities covering wildlife management, rescue operations, and administration of both the zoo and sanctuary areas. "Dedicated leadership will permit more specialized management of these distinctive landscapes and the diverse species that inhabit them," an officer stated.
Enhanced Management for Wildlife Tourism Destinations
Forest authorities highlighted that Jhalana and Hathi Gaon have gained substantial prominence as premier wildlife tourism destinations. "Jaipur now hosts multiple safari experiences that attract visitors from across the nation and internationally. A dedicated officer overseeing these facilities will help maintain elevated standards of conservation alongside effective visitor management," a senior officer emphasized.
Expansion of Forest Ranges and Implementation Timeline
The proposal further envisages the creation of more than a dozen new forest ranges across the newly proposed districts, with each range assigned clearly defined responsibilities for patrolling, habitat monitoring, and protection of wildlife corridors. The proposal is expected to be finalized shortly following approval from higher authorities. "The plan is largely complete and awaiting formal clearance. Once the official notification is issued, implementation will commence in phased stages," an officer concluded.
