Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is set for a major security overhaul after Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Anand Kumar, chaired a high-level review meeting in Sawai Madhopur on Friday, 9 October 2026, ordering strict action against illegal mining in the reserve and along the Chambal River corridor. The meeting was convened to implement the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court.

Key Directions Against Illegal Mining

Anand Kumar directed officials to identify vehicles involved in illegal mining and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible. Authorities were instructed to register First Information Reports (FIRs) in appropriate cases and tighten inter-departmental coordination to prevent further violations.

Special attention was given to tractors, trolleys, dumpers and other vehicles operating without number plates. Officials were tasked with seizing such vehicles and directed fuel stations to stop supplying petrol or diesel to unregistered vehicles, while prohibiting the open dispensing of fuel entirely.

Surveillance and Patrolling to Be Strengthened

The Additional Chief Secretary stressed the urgent need to operationalise CCTV cameras at sensitive locations within forest areas, to be executed with the assistance of the Information Technology Department. Stronger routine and joint patrolling was called for, with additional security deployments wherever gaps exist.

This comes amid sustained pressure from the Supreme Court and the CEC to enforce stricter protection across India's tiger reserves, where encroachment and illegal extraction remain persistent threats despite repeated administrative reviews.

Encroachment and Chambal Sanctuary Protection

The meeting reviewed measures to identify and demarcate land parcels affected by encroachment around the Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary. Officials were directed to examine records related to alleged illegal construction and commercial activities near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and act in accordance with applicable rules, resolving pending matters within stipulated timelines.

Tourism Management and Digital Upgrades

Reforms to Ranthambore's safari booking system were also discussed, with emphasis on making the process more secure and transparent. Officials were asked to improve the management of the official website and strengthen cyber security. A proposal to install LED screens at Ganesh Dham was deliberated — the screens would provide tourists with information on local attractions, safari bookings and wildlife entry rules.

The meeting was attended by Chief Wildlife Warden K.C.A. Arun Prasad, District Collector Kana Ram, District Superintendent of Police Jyeshtha Maitreyi, Chief Conservator of Forests S.P. Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests Manas Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) Sunil Kumar, District Council CEO Mohit Kasnia, and representatives of other concerned departments.

Kumar directed all departments to ensure compliance with Supreme Court and CEC directives and submit progress reports within the prescribed timeframe, underlining that coordinated action is non-negotiable for the protection of forests, wildlife and the integrity of tourism operations.