New Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kumbhalgarh Wildlife

This piece explains the recent declaration of an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and outlines what the designation means for biodiversity, local communities and nearby tourism hubs.

Key measures announced and immediate effects

The central government has notified an ESZ extending from zero to one kilometre around the boundary of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of approximately 243 sq km. The objective is to curb activities that threaten the region’s fragile ecology in the Aravali range and to promote sustainable livelihood options for indigenous communities.

The notification specifies a list of activities that are prohibited and others that will be regulated. New industrial projects, commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units, brick kilns, and establishment of industries that cause water, air, soil or noise pollution are explicitly banned within the ESZ. The erection of new wind turbines is also restricted in this buffer to avoid potential habitat disruption.

Geography and communities affected

The protected buffer spans parts of Rajsamand, Pali and Udaipur districts and includes 94 villages within its limits. The sanctuary itself extends over more than 610 sq km and lies roughly 80 km north of the lake city of Udaipur, connecting upland forest, hill slopes and riverine tracts of the Aravalli complex.

Wildlife and habitat under protection

The sanctuary shelters a diverse assemblage of mammals and birds, including leopard, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian pangolin, blue bull, wild boar and chinkara, along with galliforms such as the painted francolin. The ESZ aims to reduce disturbances in core and peripheral habitats critical for breeding, foraging and seasonal movements.

Regulation of development and tourism

The notification sets out that new construction activities, particularly of hotels and resorts, will not be permitted within one kilometre of the protected boundary or up to the extent of the ESZ, whichever is nearer. Agricultural zones, parks and other recreational green spaces inside the ESZ are to remain dedicated to low-impact uses and must not be converted into major commercial or industrial developments.

Authorities will introduce guidelines on eco-tourism to balance visitor access with habitat protection. Measures include controls on night-time vehicular movement, restrictions on disruptive infrastructure near hill slopes and riverbanks, and promotion of community-driven activities such as organic farming and agroforestry.

Community and livelihood implications

The declaration emphasizes support for local and indigenous communities through sustainable and community-focused initiatives. The environment minister, Bhupender Yadav, highlighted that the move seeks not only to preserve biodiversity but also to enable residents to pursue eco-friendly livelihoods—examples being organic agriculture, agroforestry and small-scale, low-impact nature tourism services.

• Positive outcomes: Reduced habitat loss, fewer disruptive industries, improved ecosystem services such as soil and water conservation.
• Challenges: Need for alternate income sources, implementation of regulated tourism models, and ensuring that prohibitions do not unduly burden local economies.

Historical context and conservation background

The Aravali range, one of the oldest fold mountains on Earth, has long been a mosaic of forested hills, dry deciduous tracts and riparian corridors that support a range of species adapted to semi-arid conditions. Over decades, pressures from mining, quarrying and unplanned urban expansion have fragmented habitats across the range. Conservation policies in the region have evolved from isolated protected areas to integrated landscape-level approaches that recognise the importance of buffer zones and corridors.

Protected area notifications and subsequent ESZ designations are part of a broader trend in Indian conservation policy to safeguard sensitive ecosystems from incremental degradation. The approach aims to marry species protection with sustained livelihoods by favouring community participation and nature-compatible economic activities.

Practical outcomes for visitors and local destinations

For visitors, the ESZ is likely to mean a more regulated and lower-impact form of tourism in areas adjacent to the sanctuary. While high-density resort development near the sanctuary boundary will be restricted, nearby destinations such as Udaipur—with its lakes, palaces and cultural attractions—will still receive tourists, but the pattern of tourism may shift toward day trips, guided nature walks, birdwatching and experiential rural stays that are compatible with conservation goals.

How this may influence regional tourism offerings

Expect a rise in nature-centric activities that respect habitat: guided treks with trained naturalists, community-run homestays offering local food and crafts, regenerative agriculture demonstrations and small-scale wildlife photography workshops. For visitors coming from lake resorts or marinas near Udaipur, the new rules may encourage collaboration between local tourism operators and conservation groups to provide responsible inland excursions that complement water-based activities.

Outlook: conservation, tourism and sustainable development

The ESZ declaration around Kumbhalgarh is a long-term measure aimed at reversing habitat loss and promoting sustainable use. It can strengthen landscape resilience, secure corridors for wide-ranging species and create market niches for community-led eco-tourism. Careful enforcement, transparent land-use planning and investment in alternative livelihoods will be essential to ensure the designation delivers both ecological and social benefits.

For the wider tourism sector, the change signals that destinations adjacent to sensitive ecosystems must adopt low-impact models. Operators and planners should anticipate stricter development norms and explore opportunities in nature-based experiences, wildlife-friendly hospitality and conservation-linked activities.

GetBoat is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news, and will monitor how these conservation-driven changes affect travel choices and experiences in regions with lakes and nearby protected areas. The declaration around Kumbhalgarh highlights the interplay between protecting biodiversity and shaping sustainable tourism—an outcome that can influence activities from lake excursions and sailing daytrips to guided wildlife visits, boating and marinas servicing nearby destinations, while ensuring local communities benefit from a steady flow of nature-focused visitors. For travellers and planners alike, this change underscores the growing importance of responsible boating, quiet shore-based activities, and community-led offerings that keep the sea of biodiversity intact for future generations; visit GetBoat.com to stay updated on developments and responsible travel options.