'What began with a pair of rhino from the famous Kaziranga National Park in Assam 25 years ago has now grown into a rich reserve with the rhino population having swelled to 29,' said Patnaik.

'The Wildlife Institute of India has been entrusted with the task of drawing a blue-print of the proposed new reserve, away from the existing locale.'

Experts propose to promote the new reserve with a mix of rhinos from Kaziranga, Nepal and the existing progeny in Dudhwa, which comprises seven males, 15 females and 7 calves at present.

Patnaik is also hopeful of getting support for the project from the union environment ministry.