Jaswantgarh blackbuck project gets go-ahead

JAIPUR: The new Blackbuck habitat proposed at Jaswantgarh, Nagaur got a go ahead at the state wildlife board meeting chaired by CM Vasundhara Raje. Since Tal Chapper in Churu district is already beyond the carrying capacity of the Indian antelope the new grassland would be created at Jaswantgarh spread over 600 hector. This would create employment opportunities for the locals and enhance tourism in Nagaur.
Among the several decisions taken during the meeting, now the state forest department would involve local communities and form local self-help groups living around the forest areas to give an impetus to conservation efforts. This would empower local communities and also give then livelihood option closer home. Besides, the forest department would also give 40 thousand gas connections with 100 percent subsidy to the villagers living around the tiger reserves to create a 'fuel wood free' village. And only once the entire village is given gas connections would a village be declared a 'fuel wood free village.'
Besides, soon full and half day safari vehicles at the Ranthambhore National Park RNP would be monitored through the GPS technology. Further creating a conducive habitat for wildlife and encourage villagers to lead a better life living in the mainstream, the various relocation packages would be worked on with greater incentives.