The Congress Party on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan over a reported proposal to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, alleging the move is aimed at reviving over 50 mining operations previously shut down by the Supreme Court.
Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh took to social media to criticize the plan, calling it “ecologically devastating” and accusing the “double engine” government—referring to both the Union and state environment ministers being from Alwar—of prioritizing mining interests over conservation.
“The tiger population at Sariska had been reduced to zero by 2004 due to rampant poaching. It took years of effort, including relocation from Panna and the creation of the Tiger Task Force, to bring the count to a historic high of 48,” Ramesh stated. “Now, the boundary is about to be redrawn to benefit mining companies, threatening this hard-won revival.”
The proposed plan reportedly seeks to exclude 48.39 sq km of “degraded” peripheral land from the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) and add 90.91 sq km of buffer zone in exchange. Critics argue this would fragment vital tiger corridors and allow marble, dolomite, and limestone mines—closed under a 2024 Supreme Court order—to resume operations.
Ramesh emphasized that while community involvement in reserve management is essential, the current proposal undermines ecological integrity. “This is not rationalization; it’s a rollback of conservation gains,” he said, urging judicial intervention if necessary.
There has been no official response from the Centre or the Rajasthan government on the allegations. The proposal is expected to be tabled at the state wildlife board meeting ahead of scrutiny by the National Board for Wildlife.
