Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Location in Rajasthan, India
Location	Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nearest city	Jaipur
Coordinates	26°59′57″N75°50′15″E / 26.9993°N 75.8374°E / 26.9993; 75.8374
Area	50 km2 (19 sq mi)
Established	1980
Governing body	Rajasthan Forest Department

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Aravalli Hills near Jaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Established in 1980, the sanctuary spans approximately 50 square kilometers and serves as a critical green buffer for the rapidly urbanizing city of Jaipur. It forms part of the ecological corridor connecting the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve with other forest regions of Rajasthan.

Geography

Situated about 20 kilometers from Jaipur, the sanctuary encompasses rugged terrain characterized by hills, valleys, and seasonal streams. The area is part of the ancient Aravalli mountain range, one of the oldest geological formations in India. The sanctuary's landscape includes dry deciduous forests, thorny scrublands, and grasslands, providing diverse habitats for various species. ^[1]

Flora

The vegetation in Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is typical of the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Dominant tree species include:

• Dhok ( Anogeissus pendula )
• Babool ( Acacia nilotica )
• Khejri ( Prosopis cineraria )
• Ber ( Ziziphus mauritiana )

These species are well-adapted to the dry conditions and play a crucial role in supporting the sanctuary's fauna. ^[2]

Fauna

The sanctuary hosts a variety of wildlife, including:

• Mammals: Leopards (Panthera pardus), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), wild boars (Sus scrofa), jackals (Canis aureus), hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), and various species of deer.
• Birds: Over 285 species have been recorded, making it a haven for bird watchers. Notable species include peacocks, owls, eagles, and the white-naped tit.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis), frogs, and toads are commonly found. ^{[3] [4]}

Nahargarh Biological Park

Within the sanctuary lies the Nahargarh Biological Park, established to enhance wildlife conservation and education. The park is home to several species, including Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, and sloth bears. It also features a rescue center for rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals. The park serves as an important center for environmental education and awareness. ^[5]

Conservation efforts

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in the conservation of the Aravalli ecosystem. Efforts are ongoing to address challenges such as habitat degradation, human-wildlife conflict, and encroachment. The Rajasthan Forest Department, along with various NGOs, is involved in initiatives like afforestation, community engagement, and wildlife monitoring to ensure the sanctuary's ecological integrity. ^{[6] [7] [8] [9] [10]}

Eco-sensitive zone

In 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the sanctuary to regulate activities and minimize ecological damage. The ESZ aims to provide a buffer zone to the sanctuary, ensuring sustainable development in the surrounding areas. ^{[11] [12]}

Legal challenges

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary has been the subject of several legal disputes concerning unauthorized constructions and non-forest activities within its boundaries and Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). ^[13]

Boundary Discrepancies

Discrepancies between the sanctuary's original 1980 notification and the 2019 ESZ map have led to legal ambiguities. The Forest Department initiated efforts to revise the sanctuary's boundaries to resolve these issues and ensure consistent enforcement of conservation laws.

See also

• Ranthambore National Park
• Sariska Tiger Reserve
• Keoladeo National Park
• Aravalli Range

References

1. "Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary". Drishti IAS. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
2. "Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary - Civilsdaily". 27 January 2025. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
3. Team (19 November 2019). "Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary". RajRAS | RAS Exam Preparation. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
4. "Jaipur: Bumper sighting of leopards, hyenas & bulls at Nahargarh". The Times of India. 7 June 2020. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 10 May 2025.
5. "Nahargarh Biological Park - Rajasthan Tourism".
6. indianpanorama. "Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife in Rajasthan - Indian Panorama". Indianpanorama. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
7. "Unlicensed activities at Nahargarh putting tourists' lives at risk". firstindia.co.in. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
8. "Hotel in Nahargarh sanctuary to be razed". The Tribune. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
9. "State forest dept to redraw map of Nahargarh sanctuary". The Times of India. 6 March 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 10 May 2025.
10. "Hotel in Nahargarh ESZ faces probe by NGT committee". The Times of India. 30 March 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 10 May 2025.
11. https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/environment/Env/PDF_Files_II/Final%20Report%20Tourism%20Matserplan%20Nahargarh%20ESZ%2003-0.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
12. "Forest department plans boundary revision for Rajasthan's Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 10 May 2025.
13. "NGT notice to Rajasthan govt over business activities in Nahargarh sanctuary". The Times of India. 26 December 2022. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 10 May 2025.