Rajasthan to Plant 7 Crore Trees, Introduce EVs in Tiger Reserves with INR 4,000 Crore Initiative

Jaipur: The government of Rajasthan has unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance the state’s green cover and introduce electric vehicle (EV) transportation in key tiger reserves, allocating a significant INR 4,000 crore over the next five years under Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan.

A major component of this initiative involves planting 7 crore trees across the state through a large-scale plantation drive. This effort aims not only to bolster environmental conservation but also to mitigate carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity in Rajasthan. In a bid to curb pollution and reduce the carbon footprint within wildlife habitats, including the renowned Ranthambore and Sariska tiger reserves, the government plans to implement an EV-based transport system. This eco-friendly mode of transportation will cater to pilgrims visiting significant sites such as Trinetra Ganeshji and Pandupole, ensuring minimal disturbance to the delicate ecosystems of these reserves.

Environmentalists and conservationists have welcomed these measures, emphasizing the long-term benefits for biodiversity and wildlife conservation in Rajasthan. A former member of the state board for wildlife lauded the decision, highlighting the positive impact on reducing air and noise pollution in critical wildlife habitats. The government has earmarked INR 20 crore specifically for enhancing tiger habitats across five tiger project areas. INR 40 crore will be invested in establishing a dedicated forest and wildlife training cum management institute at Jhalana in Jaipur, aimed at nurturing expertise in wildlife conservation and management practices.

Further enhancing Rajasthan’s conservation efforts, plans include the development of a new zoological park and aquarium near Keoladev National Park (Ghana) in Bharatpur. The initiative also includes the creation of predator-proof enclosures to safeguard the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB), alongside the establishment of a biological park in Alwar with an allocation of INR 25 crore.