Jaipur: Forest department has prepared a comprehensive restructuring of forest divisions in Jaipur and adjoining regions to strengthen wildlife protection and improve administrative efficiency, officials said Tuesday.Under the draft plan, parts of Beelwadi, Virat Nagar, Thanagazi and Ajabgarh are likely to be incorporated into a newly designated STR-2 division linked to Sariska Tiger Reserve. A forest officer said, “These areas are increasingly being used by tigers dispersing from Sariska. Bringing them under a dedicated division will provide more structured monitoring and improved habitat protection, effectively functioning as an extended buffer for the reserve.” Simultaneously, ranges of Dausa and Bandikui, along with Jamwaramgarh and Raisar, are proposed to be separated from the existing Jaipur Wildlife Division to form a new administrative unit. Officers noted that the current jurisdiction is extensive and often difficult to supervise effectively. “The objective is to ensure closer monitoring of forest areas. Some of these regions have previously witnessed instances of illegal mining, and a separate division will allow for more focused oversight and quicker enforcement action,” an officer explained.Another key element involves creation of an independent division encompassing Nahargarh Biological Park and Hathi Gaon. This division also includes Jhalana Leopard Reserve and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. An officer from Indian Forest Service is expected to head this division, with responsibility for wildlife management, rescue operations, and administration of the zoo and sanctuary areas. “Dedicated leadership will allow for more specialised management of these unique landscapes and the species that inhabit them,” an officer said.Forest authorities pointed out that Jhalana and Hathi Gaon have gained prominence as wildlife tourism destinations. “Jaipur now hosts multiple safari experiences that attract visitors from across the country and abroad. A dedicated officer overseeing these facilities will help maintain high standards of conservation as well as visitor management,” a senior officer said.The proposal also envisages creation of more than a dozen new forest ranges across newly proposed districts, with each range having clearly defined responsibilities for patrolling, habitat monitoring, and protection of wildlife corridors. The proposal was expected to be finalised shortly following approval from higher authorities. “The plan is largely complete and awaiting formal clearance. Once the notification is issued, implementation will begin in phases,” an officer said.
