https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Roaring Back to Life: How IFS Officer Sanjeev Sharma Revived the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

Against all odds, Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve roars back to life. Discover how IFS Officer Sanjeev Sharma orchestrated a stunning tiger revival in Rajasthan.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In a remarkable feat of wildlife conservation, the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan witnessed the successful relocation of tigers, marking a significant step toward restoring the sanctuary’s ecological balance. Under the leadership of IFS Officer Sanjeev Sharma, the forest department undertook this complex initiative to breathe new life into a forest that had lost its tigers more than two decades ago.

THE RESERVE’S LEGACY AND TRANSFORMATION

Ramgarh Vishdhari’s forests, which once thrived with wildlife, came under the control of the Rajasthan government post-independence. In 1982, part of this forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary under the Rajasthan Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act, 1951. However, by 1999, tigers had vanished from the sanctuary, leaving behind a quiet but poignant reminder of conservation challenges.

In July 2021, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted in-principle approval to transform the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve, igniting hope for tiger conservation in Rajasthan.

“The process was expedited after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the upgrade,” stated Mr. Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the reserve. The forest department swung into action, developing a robust Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) to regulate tourism and activities within the reserve.

SUCCESSFUL RELOCATION: A STRATEGIC APPROACH

The first crucial step in the revival of the reserve was the relocation of a tigress, T-102, from Ranthambore National Park (RNP) to Ramgarh Vishdhari. After successfully settling into its new habitat, preparations began for relocating another tigress to accompany the male tiger T-115, who had already made the reserve its territory. The approval from NTCA was the final piece of the puzzle needed to execute this delicate operation.

“Relocating tigers is not just about physical movement. It’s about creating a viable habitat where they can thrive,” he shared.

The relocation aimed to establish a balanced tiger population in the reserve, ensuring the presence of breeding pairs to sustain the population over time. The reserve currently spans 1,501.89 square kilometers, including a core area of 481.90 square kilometers, providing an extensive territory for the big cats.

STRENGTHENING CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND TOURISM

The revival of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve wasn’t solely about relocating tigers; it also involved strengthening the habitat and managing human-wildlife interactions.

With a current tiger population of six, including three cubs, the reserve set in motion efforts to relocate eight villages from within its core area. This move aimed to reduce human-animal conflict and provide the tigers with a safe and undisturbed environment.

“The conservation plan also opens up possibilities for regulated tourism, which plays a vital role in both conservation funding and awareness,” the officer mentioned.

To ensure responsible tourism, the reserve developed multiple zones, including buffer zones where tourism was already permitted. Plans were also laid out to open four zones within the core area.

“A committee was constituted to evaluate the price and ascertain safari charges,” Mr. Sharma added.

A NEW DAWN FOR RAMGARH VISHDHARI

The successful relocation of tigers to Ramgarh Vishdhari has not only revived the sanctuary’s ecological significance but has also kindled hope for the region’s wildlife conservation efforts. Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sambar deer, chital deer, and wild boars, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

“The process of relocation and conservation is ongoing. It’s not the end, but the beginning of a journey to restore and protect our natural heritage.”

The efforts taken by the forest department, along with the support of the NTCA and the state government, have set a benchmark for wildlife conservation in India.

Sanjeev Sharma, IFS

LOOKING AHEAD: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

With the successful relocation of tigers and the development of a robust conservation framework, Ramgarh Vishdhari is poised to become a thriving habitat for big cats once more.

As the reserve opens up for tourism and continues to monitor and protect its growing tiger population, it presents an opportunity for people to witness the beauty and resilience of wildlife.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that Ramgarh Vishdhari remains a safe haven for tigers and other wildlife for generations to come,” stated Mr. Sharma, reflecting on the reserve’s journey from desolation to a beacon of hope in wildlife conservation.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Nitish Kumar
Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar Vows to Create 1 Crore Jobs for Bihar Youth in Next 5 Years, Highlights Major Development Milestones
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Government Approves Rs 1,390 Crore for Four New Medical Colleges and Healthcare Projects
Pushkar Singh Dhami CM
Uttarakhand Government Launches Free Pre-Recruitment Training for Agniveer Aspirants Across All Districts
Airports Authority of India AAI
PESB Finds Candidates Unsatisfactory for AAI Member (Operations) Post, Calls for New Selection Process
justice-photo
Next CJI of India: Find Out Who’s Set to Become the New Chief Justice – Full Story Inside
IPS Ratan Lal Dangi
Who Is IPS Ratan Lal Dangi? Chhattisgarh Police Officer Accused of Harassment by SI’s Wife; IG Anand Chhabra Assigned Probe - Full Story
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali
UP: CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Fire Stations Every 100 Km on Expressways, Approves 1,020 New Posts in Fire Services
SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma
Who Is SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma? The 2015-Batch RAS Officer Caught in Yet Another Scandal After Slapping Petrol Pump Employee
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Nitish Kumar
Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar Vows to Create 1 Crore Jobs for Bihar Youth in Next 5 Years, Highlights Major Development Milestones
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Government Approves Rs 1,390 Crore for Four New Medical Colleges and Healthcare Projects
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT