Under the first of its kind conservation – ‘Project Leopard’, a total of eight conservation reserves and sanctuaries will be launched across Rajasthan.
A slew of objectives is aimed to be fulfilled, under this ambitious project. Along with eight conservation reserves, the Jhalana reserve will also get a facelift which will include installation of an outer periphery wall.
The project which also got its mention in CM Vasundhara Raje’s 2017-18 budget is pegged at an estimate cost of Rs 5-8 crore.
Moreover, a team of Leopard Task Force comprising of national and local experts would soon be constituted to ensure appropriate execution of Project Leopard.
Valmik Thapar, a wildlife specialist said, “It is the first effort in the world at conserving leopards by reducing conflict between the animal and the man. The core of our mission is based on the crying need to create a better relationship between man and leopard in Rajasthan and secure leopard population which otherwise could dwindle and eventually die out. This unique scheme will enhance the status of the Leopard and boost wildlife tourism across Rajasthan thereby impacting hugely on local economies.”
This project will be integrated into the ‘Van Dhan Yojna’as this yojana’s agenda blends well with the project proposal.
Agenda behind “Project Leopard”
The major aim is to up leopard population in the state and make it reach 1500. The overall aim will be to restore habitation and suitable environment conditions which will bolster plunging leopard numbers.
In order to thwart and prevent leopard’s entry into the human dominated areas, a slew of measures will be taken in that regard, thereby eliminating the chances of human-leopard conflicts.
Funding for “Project Leopard”
For the project funding, the government is eyeing at ongoing government schemes, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, cess by tourism infrastructure. Also, funds collected as surcharge entry fees may also be used for funding this grand project.
The “Project Leopard” will operate in eight sanctuaries across the state – Jaisamand Sanctuary in Udaipur, Bassi Sanctuary in Chittorgarh, Shergarh Sanctuary in Baran, Kumbhalgarh Sanc tuary-Raoli Todgarh Sanctuary (stretched from Ajmer to Udaipur), Mount Abu Sanctuary-Sundamata Conservation Reserve, Jhalana Aamagarh Conservation Reserve, Jaipur, Jawai Conservation Reserve, Pali and Khetri Bansyal Conservation Reserve, Jhunjhunu.
