State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 18 Jul 2025

Rajasthan Deforestation

Why in News?

The Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance and temporarily halted the state government's action to cut thousands of trees in Jaipur’s Dol Ka Badh forest and Baran’s Shahabad Conservation Reserve for commercial projects. 

• The government action directly contradicts the state’s green commitments and the ongoing ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’ tree-planting campaign.

Key Points 

• Dol Ka Badh Forest: 
  • About: It is a rare 100-acre green patch in south Jaipur with ~2,500 trees, including sacred Khejri trees. 
  • Habitat for over 80 bird species, helps in temperature regulation and groundwater recharge. 
  • It acts as Jaipur’s vital “Green Lung” amid rising pollution and urban sprawl. 
  • Reason for Deforestation: Proposed construction of Prime Minister’s Unity Mall and commercial blocks on this forest land. 
  • Public Response: Demand for declaring the area a biodiversity park. 
• Shahabad Conservation Reserve: 
  • About: The area is one of Rajasthan’s densest forests located in Baran, forming a crucial wildlife corridor linking Kuno National Park (MP) and Mukundra Hills and Ranthambore (Rajasthan) 
  • Concern: The corridor is vital for the movement and genetic diversity of tigers and cheetahs, and any disruption could threaten the success of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project. 
  • Reason for Deforestation: Over 1.19 lakh trees marked for felling for a private power plant.

Kuno National Park

• Location: Madhya Pradesh and is a part of the larger Kuno Wildlife Division. 
• Ecological Significance: Kuno hosts distinctive Kardhai, Khair, and Salai forests with expansive grasslands, and the humidity-sensitive Kardhai tree reflects the park’s resilience. 
  • The Kuno River ensures year-round water supply, sustaining the forest ecosystem. 
• Wildlife Importance: It is a major site for cheetah and lion reintroduction efforts. 
• Conservation Implication: Plays a critical role in the African Cheetah reintroduction project launched by PM Modi.

Mukundra Tiger Reserve 

• Location: Southeastern Rajasthan, about 50 km from Kota, situated on the eastern bank of the Chambal River. 
• Historical Significance: Formerly known as Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, it served as the royal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kota. 
• Protected Status: Declared Mukundra Hills National Park in 2004, covering around 200 sq. km. It includes Darrah, Chambal, and Jaswant Sagar Wildlife Sanctuaries. 
• Tiger Reserve Status: Notified as Rajasthan’s third tiger reserve in 2013 after approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). 
• Ecological Role: The presence of the Chambal River and its tributaries supports habitat diversity and water security in the reserve. 
• Wildlife Importance: Currently home to four tigers relocated from Ranthambore, supporting tiger population expansion and landscape-level conservation. 

Ranthambore National Park 

• Location: Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, approximately 130 km from Jaipur. 
• Ecological Significance: One of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. 
• Historical Background: Formerly a royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, it now stands as a prominent wildlife conservation area. 
• Wildlife Attraction: A key destination for spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger, attracting wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts from across the world. 
• Tourism Value: Ranthambore's blend of heritage, forest terrain, and wildlife makes it a major draw for eco-tourism and heritage tourism alike.