NTCA okays proposal for expansion of MTR

Jaipur: The National Tiger Conservation Authority has given its nod to proposal for the expansion of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. Although the official announcement is still pending, sources said that the authority has given the green signal.

The reserve, currently spanning 760 sq km, will soon sprawl across approximately 1000 sq km.
The expansion includes the protected area of Chittorgarh and Jhalawar regions, which will act as a protective buffer. Acting CCF Bijo Joy said that the state had submitted a preliminary proposal which has been approved by the technical committee.

Official notification in this regard is pending and preparations are in progress. In another development, there are plans to introduce a tigress to the reserve. Blackbucks and cheetals from Delhi Zoo will also be relocated to increase prey base.

Presently, Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve houses one tiger and one tigress. Recently, the tiger ventured across the Chambal river, journeying from Seljar to Ambe Rani in the Wildlife Sanctuary.