Forest department plans boundary revision for Rajasthan's Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

JAIPUR: The Forest Department has initiated plans to revise the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary boundaries to resolve existing legal complications. This initiative emerged from a meeting in Jaipur on January 7, 2025, led by Rajasthan's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden.
A department representative explained that the meeting addressed disparities between the sanctuary's original notification of September 22, 1980, and the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) notification issued on March 8, 2019. The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Jaipur Zoo, presented the sanctuary's original boundary specifications.
"It was observed that while the 1980 notification described only 11 GPS coordinates to define the sanctuary's limits, the ESZ map contained 100 reference points marked in purple on the GT Sheet. These inconsistencies have led to significant boundary differences, contributing to numerous legal cases and court challenges," said a senior official.
The authorities decided to create a new sanctuary map based on revenue records and the 1980 notification. "The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Jaipur Zoo, has been tasked with drafting the revised map and presenting it to the committee. This map, after review, will be submitted to the state government for approval," added the official.
The department will also develop an updated ESZ map in accordance with the March 8, 2019, notification. This development has faced opposition from environmental advocates.
RTI activist Rajendra Tiwari stated, "A complaint regarding the maps was filed by us with the Lokayukta Sachivalaya, accusing the Forest Department of preparing a false map. Taking cognizance of the complaint, the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Rajasthan, Jaipur, wrote a letter to the Lokayukta Sachivalaya on February 7, 2024, stating that questioning the map after seven years was inappropriate. It further emphasized that the sanctuary and ESZ maps were duly approved and entirely accurate."
"This contradiction between the Head of Forest Force (who approved the map) and the Chief Wildlife Warden (who considered it incorrect) highlights discrepancies in their statements. Despite admitting the map's inaccuracies, no clear directives were issued against the creators of the flawed maps. Additionally, NOCs issued based on the incorrect map were neither revoked nor adequately addressed," added Tiwari.