For the rural families of Dhaulpur district who have long waited for a foothold in tourism and steady employment, a fresh opportunity is now taking shape. The Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) proposal drawn up for the Dhaulpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve (DKTR) has already cleared the state government, and it has now been forwarded to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for final approval. The moment that approval comes through, a brand-new chapter of village tourism and homestay activity is expected to begin across the region.
The Home Itself Becomes a Source of Income
Once the ESZ takes effect, residents of the identified villages in the buffer zone will be able to turn their own houses into homestays. In practical terms, visitors will be able to stay in a genuine rural setting rather than a hotel, get a close look at the local culture, and sample the traditional cuisine of the Chambal region. While this promises tourists a very different kind of experience, it also throws open new doors of income for village households—right from their own homes.
Rajasthan's Fifth Tiger Reserve
It is worth noting that the Dhaulpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve is Rajasthan's fifth tiger reserve. At present, five tigers and tigresses along with one young cub roam here, and they remain a special draw for wildlife lovers and tourists alike. The idea is that in the days ahead, visitors will not be limited to a jungle safari alone, but will also be able to experience the culture of the villages, the rhythm of local life, and the natural beauty of the area up close.
Tiger Conservation Plan Also Ready
It is not just the ESZ—the Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) for the DKTR has also been finalised and will soon be sent to the state government. Once the TCP is in force, the reserve's entry gates, tourism routes, biodiversity-related data and other tourism activities will be developed within an organised framework. Alongside this, special management measures will be put in place to protect the tigers and safeguard their natural habitat, so that a balance is struck between tourism and wildlife.
A List of Suitable Villages in the Works
District Collector Shri Nidhi BT said that a survey of the villages bordering the forest is under way and a list of villages suitable for homestays is being prepared. The administration believes the initiative will create new employment opportunities in rural areas, strengthen the local economy, and boost the number of tourists arriving in Dhaulpur. Taken together, this effort to balance tourism, jobs and wildlife conservation could prove to be a major and significant step for Dhaulpur district.
