Jaipur: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) expressed serious concerns over unregulated expansion of Kachida Mata temple within Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and has called for the immediate demarcation of its premises.Satellite imagery analysis revealed that the temple area expanded significantly over the past decade, growing from approximately 0.004 hectares in 2015 to nearly 0.13 hectares in 2024. The rate of expansion has notably accelerated since 2022. The authority highlighted that the expansion is not only physical but also involves increased human activity within the critical tiger habitat.“The present extent of the Kachida Mata temple should be demarcated immediately. Further expansion of temple premises should not be allowed, and if any violation is found, strict action must follow,” the NTCA report stated.The inquiry further disclosed that villagers from nearby settlements, including Uliyana, Ajnoti, Dhanoli, Shayampura, Meena Colony, Bajariya, Sherpur Khilchipur, and Chakeri, frequently access the temple through unauthorized routes within the forest boundary. Over time, repeated movement has carved out a pathway to the temple, which is clearly visible in satellite images from 2018 to 2025.These findings emerged after Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav responded to a complaint from Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena regarding disturbances in Ranthambore, including reports of an illegal night party in the reserve’s core area. Yadav confirmed that the NTCA had formed a committee to investigate the allegations, leading to recommendations for urgent corrective measures.“This not only raises concern about habitat destruction and threats of poaching, but also about the safety of individuals who venture into tiger territory on foot,” the inquiry noted, emphasizing that no rules or orders permit such visits.The report also identified multiple violations of the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972. Unauthorized entry into the temple area breaches Section 27, while evidence of cooking and utensils on the premises contravenes Section 30, which prohibits causing fire inside protected forests. Despite these violations, no offence has been registered to date. NTCA has proposed several actions, including the installation of CCTV cameras around the temple and entry points, restricting visits to designated days, banning overnight stays, prohibiting cooking or feasts (bhandaras) within the premises, and ensuring proper waste management. Additionally, the authority has called for stricter enforcement by the Forest Department, including reducing human activity, enhancing patrolling, and providing field staff with arms, safety gear, and infrastructural support.The Kachida Mata temple is situated in a small valley near Kachi Dam, a crucial water source functioning as a quasi-wetland that supports diverse flora and fauna. Given its sensitive location in the core zone, the NTCA has urged that tourism and habitat management strictly adhere to the approved Tiger Conservation Plan and existing guidelines.
NTCA seeks curbs on Kachida Mata temple expansion in R’bore | Jaipur News
