Udaipur: The International Tiger Festival 2026, jointly organised by the Forest Department, WWF-India, and Green People Society, concluded in Udaipur with a focus on the proposed Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve. Chairing the closing ceremony, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) S.R. Yadav said the project has received in-principle approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and is awaiting final notification. Spread across Rajsamand, Beawar, Sirohi, Udaipur, and Pali districts, the reserve is expected to restore tiger populations, strengthen biodiversity, boost eco-tourism, and create employment opportunities for local communities. Yadav said tigers may be relocated from Ranthambore or Sariska, where populations exceed carrying capacity. Experts clarified that earlier NTCA concerns regarding habitat, prey base, human-wildlife conflict, water availability, and infrastructure have been addressed. The festival concluded with an award ceremony honouring winners of junior and senior on-the-spot painting competitions with certificates and mementoes.