In a groundbreaking ruling, the Supreme Court has put an end to tiger safaris within the core areas of Jim Corbett National Park, rebuking the Uttarakhand government for illegal activities that jeopardized the region’s wildlife and ecosystem. The decision aims to strike a balance between tourism promotion and conservation efforts within the iconic national park.
Former Uttarakhand forest minister Harak Singh Rawat and ex-divisional forest officer Kishan Chand faced strong criticism from the court for their involvement in illegal construction and tree felling within Corbett Tiger Reserve. The court accused them of neglecting the public trust doctrine, emphasizing that they have disregarded environmental conservation principles.
The apex court has directed the Central Government to form a committee to address environmental damage and pursue compensation from those accountable. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also been instructed to submit an interim report on their investigation within three months.
This decision follows a petition filed by environmental activist and lawyer Gaurav Bansal, opposing the Uttarakhand government’s plan to establish a tiger safari and zoo in the national park’s core areas. While acknowledging potential employment opportunities, the court stressed the adverse effects of establishing a safari in the core area. However, it allows for the creation of tiger safaris in peripheral and buffer zones, subject to specific conditions.
Jim Corbett’s Core Areas Explained:
Jim Corbett National Park, a part of the World Wide Fund For Nature’s Terai Arc Landscape program, aims to protect tigers, Asiatic elephants, and green-horned rhinoceros. The park covers 1,288.31 sq km, with 822 sq km designated as the core zone and 466.31 sq km as the buffer area, housing six wildlife safari zones.
Impact of Tourism on Locals and Wildlife:
The local population heavily relies on tourism for income, encompassing transportation, safaris, food centers, and accommodations. However, studies indicate that tourism infrastructure obstructs crucial tiger and elephant corridors, leading to environmental concerns. The Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes an “animal-centric” approach over a “tourist-centric” one in wildlife conservation efforts.
This landmark ruling ensures the preservation of Jim Corbett National Park’s unique ecosystem while considering the livelihoods of the local population.
