The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a formal notification on January 16, 2026, declaring an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Aravalli mountain range of Rajasthan. The ESZ extends zero to one kilometre beyond the sanctuary's boundary and covers approximately 243 square kilometres encompassing 94 villages across Udaipur, Pali, and Rajsamand districts. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across these three districts, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including leopards, striped hyenas, jungle cats, Indian pangolins, blue bulls (nilgai), chinkaras, and numerous avian species. The ESZ designation is aimed at providing a buffer to minimise human activity that could negatively impact the core sanctuary area. Under the notification, commercial mining, polluting industries, brick kilns, and large new tourism infrastructure are prohibited within the ESZ. However, traditional livelihoods of resident communities remain regulated but permitted. Eco-friendly initiatives such as organic farming, agroforestry, and skill development programmes are encouraged to ensure sustainable livelihoods. MoEFCC has constituted a monitoring committee to oversee compliance with ESZ guidelines and implement sustainable development measures. Kumbhalgarh is famously associated with the Kumbhalgarh Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Rajasthan Hill Forts cluster — and is strategically positioned in the Aravalli biodiversity corridor, one of India's most ancient mountain ranges and a critical ecological backbone of northwestern India. The Aravalli range plays a vital role in preventing desertification of the Thar Desert from advancing into fertile plains, and the ESZ declaration is a significant step in protecting this fragile ecosystem.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan's Aravalli Range Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone: 243 sq km Buffer Covering 94 Villages Notified by MoEFCC
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a formal notification on January 16, 2026, declaring an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Aravalli mountain range of Rajasthan. The ESZ extends zero to one kilometre beyond the sanctuary's boundary and covers approximately 243 square kilometres encompassing 94 villages across Udaipur, Pali, and Rajsamand districts. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across these three districts, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including leopards, striped hyenas, jungle cats, Indian pangolins, blue bulls (nilgai), chinkaras, and numerous avian species. The ESZ designation is aimed at providing a buffer to minimise human activity that could negatively impact the core sanctuary area. Under the notification, commercial mining, polluting industries, brick kilns, and large new tourism infrastructure are prohibited within the ESZ. However, traditional livelihoods of resident communities remain regulated but permitted. Eco-friendly initiatives such as organic farming, agroforestry, and skill development programmes are encouraged to ensure sustainable livelihoods. MoEFCC has constituted a monitoring committee to oversee compliance with ESZ guidelines and implement sustainable development measures. Kumbhalgarh is famously associated with the Kumbhalgarh Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Rajasthan Hill Forts cluster — and is strategically positioned in the Aravalli biodiversity corridor, one of India's most ancient mountain ranges and a critical ecological backbone of northwestern India. The Aravalli range plays a vital role in preventing desertification of the Thar Desert from advancing into fertile plains, and the ESZ declaration is a significant step in protecting this fragile ecosystem.
Key facts
- MoEFCC declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary on January 16, 2026.
- The ESZ covers approximately 243 sq km encompassing 94 villages across Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts.
- Commercial mining, polluting industries and brick kilns are prohibited within the ESZ.
- The sanctuary is home to leopards, Indian pangolins, chinkaras and diverse avian species.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Rajasthan Hill Forts cluster.
- Aravalli range plays a vital role in preventing the Thar Desert from advancing into fertile plains.
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The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ covers areas across which three districts of Rajasthan?
The ESZ extends over approximately 243 sq km and 94 villages across Udaipur, Pali, and Rajsamand districts of Rajasthan, safeguarding Aravalli biodiversity.
Source: MoEFCC Notification / ESG Broadcast
Frequently asked questions
When was the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary officially notified and by which authority?
The Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified on January 16, 2026 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The notification is issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which empowers MoEFCC to regulate activities near protected areas.
What is the geographical extent of the Kumbhalgarh ESZ and how many villages does it cover?
The Kumbhalgarh ESZ extends zero to one kilometre beyond the sanctuary boundary and covers approximately 243 square kilometres. It encompasses 94 villages spread across three districts — Udaipur, Pali, and Rajsamand — in Rajasthan.
Which activities are prohibited in an Eco-Sensitive Zone and what activities are regulated?
In an Eco-Sensitive Zone, activities such as commercial mining, polluting industries, brick kilns, large hydroelectric projects, and commercial use of firewood are prohibited. Activities like hotels, resorts, and industries that require environmental clearance are regulated, while agriculture and traditional land uses by local communities are generally permitted.
Why is the Aravalli mountain range ecologically significant for Rajasthan?
The Aravalli range is India's oldest mountain range and acts as a natural barrier that prevents the Thar Desert from advancing into the fertile plains of eastern Rajasthan. It also acts as a watershed for several rivers, maintains groundwater recharge, and hosts significant biodiversity including leopards, pangolins, and diverse bird species.
What is the connection between Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage Site status?
Kumbhalgarh Fort, located within the sanctuary area, is part of the 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan' cluster inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. The fort is famous for its 36-kilometre-long wall, which is considered the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
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