New eco-sensitive zone established around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan

The Centre has designated the area around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone to protect biodiversity and regulate development; this article explains what the change means for visitors, local communities and travel arrangements. Read on for practical tips on transfers, taxi choices, and how to plan responsible trips in the region.

What the eco-sensitive zone covers at a glance

The notification covers an area of approximately 243 sq km around the sanctuary, spanning a buffer that ranges from zero to one kilometre from the protected boundary. The sanctuary itself extends across more than 610 sq km and touches parts of Rajsamand, Pali and Udaipur districts. About 94 villages are inside the delineated zone.

Key goals of the ESZ

• Preserve fragile ecosystems of the Aravali range.
• Protect native flora and fauna from disruptive industries and mining.
• Encourage eco-friendly livelihoods such as organic farming and agroforestry for local communities.
• Regulate tourism, construction and night-time traffic to reduce disturbance to wildlife.

Prohibited and regulated activities

The ESZ imposes clear limits on activities considered hazardous to the environment. The aim is to reduce pollution, habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict while allowing sustainable community practices.

Who will be affected

• Residents of the 94 villages, for whom community-based initiatives are being promoted.
• Developers and investors planning hotels, resorts or industrial projects near the sanctuary.
• Tour operators and visitors whose itineraries, arrival times or accommodation choices may need adjustment.

Wildlife and natural values to protect

The sanctuary hosts a range of mammals and birds including leopard, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian pangolin, blue bull (nilgai), wild boar and chinkara, as well as birdlife like the painted francolin. Maintaining habitat continuity and minimizing disturbance are central goals of the ESZ regulations.

Top species to look for (responsible viewing)

• Leopard
• Indian pangolin
• Blue bull (nilgai)
• Chinkara
• Painted francolin

Implications for visitors, taxis and transfers

For travellers, the ESZ means a few simple considerations: prefer daytime travel within the zone, respect access rules, and choose local services that follow sustainable practices. The nearest major city is Udaipur, about 80 km to the south, so airport transfers and intercity rides will remain the primary way most visitors arrive. Drivers and companies operating in the area will need to be mindful of night-time restrictions and construction bans.

Practical travel tips

• Book an exact pick-up and drop-off time to avoid waiting in protected zones at night.
• Hire drivers familiar with local rules who can advise on permitted stops and eco-sensitive routes.
• Choose a vehicle size that matches your group to keep fares reasonable and reduce the carbon footprint.
• Ask about vehicle licenses and provider ratings before you travel to ensure compliance and safety.

How this affects local tourism and planning

At a glance, the designation is primarily a local conservation measure with limited global tourism impact, but it nonetheless matters: it signals a shift toward responsible travel and controlled development that can enhance the visitor experience over time. Communities supported by eco-friendly initiatives stand to gain stable, low-impact incomes from guided tours, handicrafts and sustainable agriculture rather than from extractive industries.

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In summary: the ESZ around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary protects sensitive Aravali habitats by banning mining, heavy industry and limiting construction, while promoting eco-tourism and community livelihoods. For travellers this means planning exact transfer times, selecting licensed drivers and vehicles, and considering daytime routes to respect wildlife; taxi and airport transfer services, fare transparency and verified provider ratings will make trips smoother. LocalsRide.com supports this approach by offering a global, user-friendly solution to book personalized transfers, trips and deliveries with clear details on car, driver and price—enabling you to get the best service when you book a ride and travel responsibly.