Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) CTH Expansion: STR’s Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) is set to expand by approximately 4,500 hectares.
Rationalization Exercise: This expansion follows a rationalization exercise mandated by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
Breeding and Movement Patterns: The expansion and rationalization were based on tiger breeding patterns and movement behavior at STR. Areas lacking tiger activity are proposed for removal, while zones with consistent activity will be included.
Legal and Management Challenges: The fragmented nature of the existing CTH created legal and management challenges.
Expert Committee: A committee of experts was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to conduct a scientific study.
Land Parcel Adjustments: Land parcels disconnected from the core area and lacking tiger presence would be excluded. Land from buffer areas with regular tiger movement would be incorporated.
Area Specifics: Land near Tehla, Siliberi Da Gate, Bansur, and the Jaipur Wildlife boundary may be removed. The buffer area adjoining Alwar city is proposed to be added, excluding portions near the urban area.
Approvals Needed: The draft requires approvals from the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) before being sent to the CEC.
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification: The notification of STR’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is scheduled after the CTH rationalization. State govt has sought an extension to complete this process, and the ESZ notification was expected before Dec 31, 2025.
CTH Definition: Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH) are core areas of tiger reserves, identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, to be kept inviolate for tiger conservation without affecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes or forest dwellers.
Inviolate Status: CTHs are kept free from human activities for tiger conservation. Forests surrounding CTHs are designated as buffer areas.
Central Empowered Committee (CEC): Established in 2002, now a permanent statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. It monitors environmental compliance, provides expert recommendations, investigates complaints, conducts site visits, and reports to authorities. NGOs were previously part of the committee.
