The Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) is the northern extension of the Ranthamboree National Park and falls within the buffer zone of the Ranthamboree Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary is located in the Karauli district of Rajasthan and falls within the Karauli and Sapotra blocks. It is spread over a total area of 674 sq km, falling within the longitudes 76°37’ E to 77°13’ E and latitude 26°2’ N and 26°21’ N. The sanctuary is bounded on the west by the river Banas and on the south by the river Chambal.
Even prior to the declaration of the sanctuary in 1983, the forest area that now comprises the sanctuary has been home to several pastoral and agricultural communities who are dependent substantially on its resources for their livelihood.
Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, otherwise a little-known PA, has become a popular reference among environmentalists and conservationists for the community-initiated forest protection committees (referred to as kulhadi bandh panchayats) that are operational in the area. These forest protection committees prevent the carrying of axes into the forests, a symbol of protecting the forests. Following these initiatives there have been several measures by the FD to collaborate with the people.
This case study reflects on these organised efforts that the communities in and around the sanctuary have made towards protecting their forests and those of the sanctuary. The research on which this case study is based was conducted in two phases: one in which the area had a number of self-initiated community conservation efforts and the second in which the forest department intervened for promoting community-based conservation. This case study is thus a comparative one, analysing the functional dynamics of the community-based conservation efforts over a period of time. In the span of three years between the first phase (1996) and the second phase, several changes and developments took place. These include changes in the management, more active NGOs, consistently poor rainfall and the people in the villages becoming outwardly mobile. The changes have had a significant bearing on the existence and operation of the community initiatives in this area.
History of Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary :
It was established in the year 1983 and was made a part of the famous Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in the year 1991.
Attractions of Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary :
It is spread over an area of 676.40 Sq. Km. The hills in the interior of the Sanctury are higher and rugged with numerous deep gorges which are several hundred feet in depth.
The forest here turns ash-grey colored in Summers, lush green during Monsoons and bright straw colored after Monsoons.
The entire area becomes extremely beautiful during Monsoons with greenery everywhere and numerous beautiful waterfalls. The Banas River is at the Western side of the Sanctuary, while the Chambal River flows along its Southeastern side.
It is home to a wide variety of animals like Tiger, Chital, Sambhar, Leopard, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Blue Bull, Jackal, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Wolf etc. The Dhok (Anogeissus Pendula) and Khair (Acacia Catechu) trees are mostly found here.
Monuments in Karauli The small city of Karauli that has recently caught the attention of tourists is an exquisite home to well decorated havelis, peaceful shrines, picturesque views and imprinted chhatris that dot the entire city. This beauty of a place in Rajasthan shares its borders with the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh and is surrounded by Dausa, Dholpur and sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. This city resonates with Mughal architectural panache and is world renowned for its pale red sandstone that surrounds the entire city with strong and sturdy wall. Apart from its royal history, Karauli offers its visitors a rural and tranquil ambience with warm and hospitable behaviour, echoing the true old Rajasthani culture
