Can Sariska get a boundary that is legally clean, socially fair, and ecologically sound?
Critical Tiger Habitat
Buffer Management
Public Consultation
1) Why in the News
Rajasthan proposed boundary rationalisation of Sariska Tiger Reserve in 2025 to fix old overlaps with villages, mines, and roads—drawing a clear, enforceable boundary that protects tigers while reducing daily conflict.
- June 2024: Sariska reported about 43 tigers—a big recovery after local extinction in 2005—so pressure on space and management now matters.
- Jul–Aug 2025: Committees reviewed maps; critical tiger habitat (core) to rise and buffer to shrink and be cleaned up.
- Sep 2025: Centre signalled public objections and relook after civil society flagged ecology and livelihood impacts.
- Big question: Can Sariska get a boundary that is legally clean, socially fair, and ecologically sound?
2) What Changed & India Angle (2024–2025)
Committees recommended a larger core (inviolate breeding habitat) and a smaller, cleaner buffer aligned with ground reality. India’s national tiger strategy supports scientific zoning and clear titles to cut disputes.
- Draft figures (2025): Core up to ~924.5 km²; Buffer down to ~203.2 km².
- Process: State wildlife board clearance → tiger authority vetting → public consultation → final notification.
- Human angle: Villages near drains, roads, and small farms seek assured access and clear compensation if land use changes.
- National relevance: Sariska could become a template for other reserves.
Buffer — multi-use zone to reduce conflict and support livelihoods.
3) Core Concepts, Stakes & Concerns
Boundary changes must follow law, science, and consent—or they risk court setbacks and public anger.
- Ecology stake: Add contiguous forest, water lines, and corridors; don’t leave out key prey or turf.
- People stake: Protect rights, access, and compensation; plan relocation only where voluntary and fair.
- Enforcement stake: A clean map means less ambiguity, easier patrolling, fewer illegal activities.
- Risk flags: Excluding key tracts or enabling mining/fragmentation in the name of “rationalisation” can undo tiger gains.
Box — Related Policy & Process
| Project Tiger | Landscape approach; inviolate core; strong buffer management. |
|---|---|
| Wildlife (Protection) Act | Legal basis for core/buffer notification. |
| National Tiger Authority | Technical approval and monitoring. |
| Public consultation | Publish maps, invite objections, record gram sabha views. |
| Relocation norms | Voluntary, with transparent packages and post-shift support. |
4) Way Forward
A careful middle path can secure tigers and reduce friction for people.
- Publish final maps in plain language: village lists, khasra numbers, roads, water bodies; set up help desks.
- Ecology checks: Keep riparian belts, grass meadows, corridors inside the core; do independent peer review.
- People-first safeguards: Guaranteed access routes, grazing plans in buffer, and fair voluntary relocation if needed.
- No-go clarity: Ban fresh mining and major construction in sensitive belts; audit existing leases around the new line.
- Conflict reduction: Fund solar fencing, rapid-response teams, and livestock insurance in fringe villages.
- Accountability: Public six-monthly scorecard on tiger numbers, conflict cases, compensation timelines, and illegal activity.
One-line Wrap: Rationalise to protect what matters—keep core habitats whole, people heard, and rules crystal-clear.
Prelims Practice
Q1. With reference to tiger reserves in India, consider the following statements:
- Critical Tiger Habitat is notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is meant to be free of human use.
- Buffer zones are legally identical to the core and prohibit all livelihood activity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q2. In a “boundary rationalisation” of a tiger reserve, which principles are most appropriate?
- Keep corridors and riparian belts within the core.
- Enable fresh mining in the excluded areas to compensate revenue loss.
- Ensure public consultation and transparent maps.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
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