Rajasthan has started the feasibility study for a fifth tiger reserve at Kumbhalgarh, said Sreya Guha, Principal Secretary – Forest & Environment, Government of Rajasthan. On the eve of International Tiger Day, speaking at a webinar organised by FICCI, Guha informed that the government has engaged the Wildlife Institute of India to do the field survey and feasibility of a tiger reserve at Kumbhalgarh. Besides the existing three tiger reserves, the state has received approval for a fourth reserve at Ramgarh Vishdhari from the Government of India.

She stated that the department is working on three new ecotourism projects in the state. First one is the Chambal Sanctuary which can act as an extension to Ranthambore providing complete ecosystem experience including tiger-viewing. The second one is Tal Chhapar where they are developing a Grassland Wildlife Management Centre for capacity building. It can be further developed as part of a broader tourism circuit of the Shekhawati region. The third ecotourism project is Ghana where the government is upgrading the existing facility, training centres on wetland tourism and digital museum. She mentioned that responsible and sustainable tourism is the way forward for preserving and showcasing India’s natural heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Nishant Jain, Director – Tourism, Government of Rajasthan said that the tiger is the most fascinating and intriguing species among the entire cat family. With two more tiger reserves likely to come in Rajasthan, it would provide a significant boost to tourism, Jain said.