Sariska Tiger Reserve expansion faces public opposition over forest rights, legal violations
Proposal seeks to add 44,238.99 hectares of forest and revenue land to the sanctuary, expanding total Critical Tiger Habitat area to 98,762.15 hectares
A proposed expansion of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve has triggered strong opposition from citizens and environmental groups, with concerns raised over legal violations, ecological impact, and lack of due process.
The proposal seeks to add approximately 44,238.99 hectares of forest and revenue land to the sanctuary, expanding the total CTH area to nearly 98,762.15 hectares. The plan includes villages such as Beenak, Kalikhol, Dadikar, Sirawas, Saedawas, Bhangarh, Ajabgarh, Rampura, and Silibawdi.
Neelam Ahluwalia, founder member of the People for Aravallis collective, alleged that the notification violates provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. She stated that the law clearly mandates that no forest-dwelling communities can be relocated unless their individual and community forest rights are formally recognised and settled. “There is no clarity on whether this process has been completed, nor is there evidence of prior informed consent from Gram Sabhas, which is legally required,” she said.
The group also highlighted that the notification does not establish whether coexistence between wildlife and local communities is unfeasible—another mandatory requirement under the FRA. They argued that without scientific and participatory studies, such a large-scale expansion cannot be justified.
In a formal objection submitted on January 5, 2026, the People for Aravallis collective termed the proposal legally and ecologically unsound. The representation noted that the expansion nearly doubles the existing CTH area without providing village-level impact assessments, rehabilitation plans, or socio-economic evaluations. The group warned that this could violate constitutional protections under Articles 14 and 21.
Environmental concerns were also raised by Kailash Meena, an environmentalist from Sikar, who cautioned that redrawing boundaries could reopen previously shut mining activities, disturbing the fragile ecological balance and local livelihoods.
The controversy is part of a broader resistance movement against the proposed changes. Earlier in July 2025, the group had flagged concerns with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Following a petition, the Supreme Court in September 2025 directed authorities to revisit the proposal and ensure proper public consultation.
Activists have now urged the government to suspend the notification until all legal procedures, including forest rights recognition and Gram Sabha consent, are fully complied with.
