On Earth Day 2023, the Rajasthan Forest Department declared three new wildlife conservation reserves, Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara, to protect the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan. These new additions have set the conservation bar high and will provide a safe home for the state’s fauna.
Sorsan in Baran
Sorsan, located in Baran, is an important conservation reserve for the Great Indian Bustard, a species that is critically endangered and on the verge of extinction. There are only around 200 of these birds left in the world, and the grasslands of Sorsan will provide them with a safe home.
In addition, Sorsan will also protect Blackbucks, the state animal of Rajasthan, which has seen a drastic decline in numbers due to excessive hunting, habitat loss, and rampant deforestation.
Khichan in Jodhpur
Khichan, located in Jodhpur, is now India’s first conservation reserve for Demoiselle cranes. Every year, thousands of these migratory birds come to Khichan to spend the winter, and now with the tag of conservation reserve, they will have a safe place to call home. With the addition of Khichan, the number of conservation reserves in Rajasthan has reached 26.
Hamirgarh in Bhilwara
Hamirgarh, located in Bhilwara, is also an important conservation reserve for the state. The forest department aims to protect the wildlife and ecosystem of the area by creating this new reserve. The exact species that will be protected in Hamirgarh is yet to be announced, but it is expected to include some rare and endangered species.
When an area is designated as a conservation reserve, it becomes mandatory for any developmental projects to get clearance per the Forest Conservation Act, of 1990. This means that any developmental projects within the conservation area need to get the approval of the National Board for Wildlife and the State Board of Wildlife. This ensures that development activities do not cause harm to the wildlife and ecosystem of the area.
The Rajasthan Forest Department has taken a significant step towards conservation with the declaration of these three new wildlife conservation reserves. These reserves will protect the rare and endangered species of Rajasthan, and provide them with a safe and secure environment to thrive. The addition of Sorsan, Khichan, and Hamirgarh has increased the number of conservation reserves in the state. It is hoped that more such reserves will be created in the future to protect the natural heritage of Rajasthan.
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