Rajsamand MP Mahima Kumari Mewar has called on the Union government to abandon the proposed Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve, arguing that the landscape lacks the ecological capacity and historical association to sustain a viable tiger population. In a representation to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Mewar, a descendant of the erstwhile Udaipur royal family, referenced a National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) expert committee report that concluded the isolated Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh landscape alone could not support a self-sustaining tiger population in the long term.
Ecological and Historical Concerns
“Kumbhalgarh has never been a traditional tiger habitat. The existing ecosystem supports a rich diversity of wildlife, and any conservation strategy must take into account the unique ecological character of the region,” Mewar stated in her letter. She warned that introducing tigers could disturb the existing ecological balance and adversely affect species already thriving in the sanctuary, including leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, wolves, jungle cats, golden jackals, caracals, and honey badgers.
Impact on Local Communities and Livelihoods
Mewar also highlighted the potential impact on local communities and traditional livelihoods. She noted that restrictions associated with a tiger reserve could harm the Raika pastoral community and the Kumbhalgarh Camel Dairy, which relies on forest access for an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 camels. Her representation included a March 2024 memorandum from conservationists Sarita Kumari Ghanerao and Hanwant Singh Rathore, who questioned the scientific basis of the project.
Conservationists' Opposition
Conservationists opposing the proposal argue that Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan’s most important protected habitat for the Indian wolf and the only sanctuary known to sustain breeding wolf populations. They warn that disrupting this ecosystem could damage both wildlife and local communities. The proposed Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve has become one of Rajasthan’s most contested wildlife projects. Supporters contend it could strengthen tiger conservation, while opponents maintain the landscape is better suited to conserving species such as the Indian wolf, striped hyena, and caracal.
