Strategically located in the 670-kilometre-long Aravalli range, Sariska Tiger Reserve holds the distinction of being the oldest and only tiger reserve in the region. But what makes Sariska truly unique and world-famous is not just its location—it’s the story of its resurrection.

In 2004, Sariska made global headlines when it lost its entire tiger population due to rampant poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking. For a reserve that was meant to protect the most majestic predator of Indian forests, it was a devastating blow. But then came a remarkable turn of events.

In 2008, Sariska became the first reserve in the world where tigers were reintroduced through a successful relocation project from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Against all odds, not only did the big cats survive—they thrived. Today, Sariska is home to 48 tigers, along with leopards, deer, nilgai, and a wide array of wildlife.

But a New Threat Looms: Mining and Redrawing of Boundaries

The revival of Sariska now faces a serious threat. The opening of mining gates and redrawing of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) boundary has sparked outrage among conservationists and wildlife experts.

On June 26, 2025, the State Wildlife Board approved a proposal to revise the boundaries of the CTH—removing 48.5 sq km from the south and southwest, and in return, adding 91 sq km in the north.

While this might seem like a fair trade on paper, experts argue otherwise.

“This move is like taking away 1 bigha of land worth ₹1 crore and giving 2 bigha land worth ₹20 lakhs,” said Sunayan Sharma, former director of Sariska Tiger Reserve and retired IFS officer.

He explained that the land being added in the north is of no ecological value to the tiger population, while the area being excluded is vital for their movement, breeding, and survival.

Worse still, this boundary change conveniently paves the way for reopening over 50 mining operations that were earlier restricted due to proximity to the tiger habitat.

A Dangerous Precedent for Conservation

Mining near Sariska is not a new issue. In the 1980s, noted environmentalist Rajendra Singh filed a petition in the Supreme Court against illegal mining inside the reserve. Thirteen years later, over 400 mines were shut down by court order—a landmark victory for conservation.

But the latest move threatens to undo decades of progress.

“Mining was banned by the Supreme Court within 1 km of the Critical Tiger Habitat. Now, with the boundaries redrawn, the gates are being opened for mining—putting the entire ecosystem at risk,” Sharma warned.

He added that dolomite mining in particular would cause:

• Heavy machine movement,

• Constant human interference,

• Blasting noise,

• Fine dust pollution,

• Depleted water sources.

This would not only disturb the tigers’ breeding cycles, but also damage the vegetation, push animals to flee the territory, and risk renewed poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

#SaveSariska: A Rising Voice for the Voiceless

As legal battles around mining in Sariska continue, a grassroots movement is gaining momentum. A digital campaign titled ‘Save Sariska’ is trending on social media, with concerned citizens, conservationists, students, and wildlife lovers joining hands to protect the reserve.

Public discourse is now centering around a key question:
Should economic gain come at the cost of extinction—again?

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share