Kumbhalgarh sanctuary to be converted into national park

Jaipur, Nov 28 (PTI) The Rajasthan government today decided to convert the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary into a national park to boost tourism and conserve highly endangered species in the area. This decision was taken at a meeting here of the Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. "Areas of Pali, Udaipur and Rajsamand districts will be covered under the park which is also a tourist destination due to famous Kumbhalgarh fort and Ranakpur Jain temples in the area," Forest minister Bina Kak said. The Cabinet gave its nod to make Kumbhalgarh sanctuary, home to a very large variety of wildlife, including some highly endangered species, as another national park in the state, Kak said. The wildlife in the area includes wolf, leopard, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, nilgai, four-horned antelope, chinkara and hare. The minister said areas covered under the park will be conserved to protect wildlife and environment. The decision will also help boost tourism in the area, she said. Kumbhalgarh sanctuary is in Rajsamand district and surrounds the Kumbhalgarh fortress and covers over 555 kms area. MORE