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Dara Sanctuary established in
1955, is spread over an area of 265 sq. kms between two parallel
mountains viz. Mukundara and Gagrola which run across a length
of 80 kms (from Murlipura to Rawatbhata). The four rivers which
form the boundary of this valley are Ramzan, Ahu, Kali and
Chambal. But in the first phase, the Rajiv Gandhi National Park
will have an area of 100 square kms. The proposed park will be
set up by clubbing Dara Wildlife sanctuary and the Chambal
Crocodile sanctuary in Kota. Both Bhainsogarh sanctuary and the
Gandhi Sagar sanctuary will be a part of the National Park.
The fauna of this region
primarily comprises of Panthers, Hyenas, Langurs, Cheetals,
Sambhars and bears. Panther is the top carnivore present in this
area. Even a tiger was spotted in this area, after 27 years,
which perhaps strayed in the sanctuary from the neighboring
Madhya Pradesh. But the poor tiger was hit by a train and met a
tragicdeath. The railway line at one side and river Chambal on
the other side flank this National Park. River Chambal is
another unique wetland nurturing rich variety of aquatic fauna
including fresh water Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin (endangered),
soft-shelled Turtle and a variety of endemic fish and other
species.
Dara harbours a variety of
species primarily Dhok and its associates. The economically
valuable main species of this region are Anogeissus Pendula (Dhok),
Boswellia Serrata (Salar), Acacia Catechu (Khair) and
Dendrocalamus Strictus (Bamboo). Even Anogeissus Latifolia (Safed
Dhok) is quite abundant and many medicinal plants are also
present. Dara is one of the best forests in Rajasthan as
indicated by the presence of Bryophytes which require sufficient
moisture for their growth. It is also a true forest in the sense
that plantation has been carried on a very small scale, only
along the foothills using exotic species such as Babul which are
fast-growing and can withstand adverse climatic conditions.
In the rainy season, Dara
appears lush green but the best time to observe its rich
biodiversity is during the pinch period (in summers when water
scarcity is seen) when all the animals come to quench their
thirst at a common reservoir. This reservoir is filled by the
forest officers by using eco-friendly solar water pump. It is
only at this time that the animal counting (census) is done. The
Malas or the Shikar Odhis which were constructed by the rulers
of Kota in the past for hunting, now help in counting wild
animals.
There are eight to 10 villages
in the area, where mostly Gujars live whose principle
occupation is collecting firewood and animal husbandry. But
these families as part of the deal between the forest department
and the villagers are being shifted elsewhere.
More About The Kota Bundi Baran
Jhalawar (Hadoti) Jungle are Present soon. |