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The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the establishment of tiger safari in the peripheral and buffer zones of the reserved forest Jim Corbett, subject to the conditions, reported news agency ANI. The apex court, while permitting the safari, has imposed strict conditions to ensure the protection of the wildlife and the environment. However, the court has taken a firm stand by banning tiger safaris in the core areas of the forest reserve, highlighting the need to safeguard the natural habitat of these majestic creatures.
In addition to addressing the issue of tiger safaris, the Supreme Court has also raised concerns about the unprecedented felling of trees and environmental damage in the Tiger reserve. The court has reprimanded the government for its negligence and has demanded a status report on illegal construction and tree felling within the Corbett reserve within three months.
Supreme Court remarked that the nexus between politicians and forest officials has resulted in causing heavy damage to the environment for some political and commercial gain. SC asks CBI, which is probing the matter, to submit a status report in three months.
Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal says “Supreme Court has directed CBI to provide an interim report on the investigation which they have done. Further, SC has also directed whether the Safari can be in the buffer area or not. Then SC says that as far as the concept of Safari in the Tiger Reserve is concerned, SC’s constituted committee will look into this and they will impose the conditions…”
#WATCH | Delhi: On SC judgement on Tiger Safari Plan at Jim Corbett National Park, Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal says “Supreme Court has directed CBI to provide an interim report on the investigation which they have done. Further, SC has also directed whether the Safari can be in… pic.twitter.com/SCO6hIeGvG
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to dismiss the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) proposal for a tiger safari within national parks marks a significant shift towards an “animal-centric” approach in wildlife conservation. In January, a bench led by Justice BR Gavai emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of animals over tourism interests. The court firmly stated, “We will not permit animals in the zoo to be kept (in cages) at national parks,” raising concerns over the NTCA’s 2019 guidelines that promoted the establishment of tiger safaris in buffer and fringe areas of tiger reserves.
These guidelines, aimed at reducing tourism pressure on core tiger habitats, have faced scrutiny for potentially compromising the natural habitats of these majestic creatures.
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