Leopard Conservation Corridor to be established in the Aravalli forest section

Haryana is making preparations to establish a 15 km long Leopard Conservation Corridor in the Aravalli forest section, allowing leopards to be present in the state soon. The Aravali Rejuvenation Board, similar to the Jhalana Leopard Sanctuary in Rajasthan, is planning this initiative to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Aravali region.

A detailed route plan has been devised to facilitate this project. This route will be developed from Bandhwari Waste Management Plant to Damdama Lake.Gypsy safari will also be started for the common people on this route on the lines of Jhalana Leopard Safari Park. At present there are about 50 leopards in the Aravalli hill section. Apart from this, in a recent wildlife survey conducted in this area, 6 more wild species have been found.

Healthy populations of striped hyena, leopard, black-naped rabbit, Indian crested porcupine, small Indian mongoose and golden jackal are found in the Gurugram region of the Aravalis. After which the possibilities of corridor have increased here. A 15 km long wild road route will be developed from Bandhwari Waste Management Plant to Damdama Lake.

Development of waterholes, solar pumps will also be installed to ensure water supply to the waterholes. Development of grasslands and removal of Kabuli Kikar (Procopis juliflora) bushes will be followed by planting of indigenous species. The GMDA has also offered the funds deposited by the Gurugram MC against the Bandhwari Waste Management Plant for this purpose. It was also suggested that a reputed expert organization should be hired to study the area and prepare a detailed project report. GMDA will also help the Board in raising funds for this and will soon plan an exposure tour for forest and other officials.