In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has imposed a ban on tiger safaris within the core areas of the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. This means that from now on, tiger safaris will only be permitted in the peripheral and buffer zones surrounding the reserve.
The court’s ruling came in response to a petition filed by environmental activist and lawyer Gaurav Bansal. The petition challenged the Uttarakhand government’s proposal to establish a tiger safari and a specialized zoo with caged animals within the national park.
Not only did the Supreme Court ban tiger safaris in core areas, but it also took a strong stance against illegal construction and deforestation within the park. The court criticized former Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat and former divisional Forest Officer Kishan Chand for allowing such activities.
The bench, headed by Justice B R Gavai, condemned Rawat and Chand for blatantly disregarding the law and engaging in mass felling of trees for commercial purposes under the guise of promoting tourism. The court remarked that this behavior amounted to a disregard for the public trust doctrine.
Expressing shock at the audacity of Rawat and Chand in flouting statutory provisions, the Supreme Court highlighted the damaging nexus between politicians and forest officials. This alliance, the court noted, has resulted in severe environmental degradation in pursuit of political and commercial gains.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), already investigating the case, to submit a status report within three months. The court’s actions underscore its commitment to upholding environmental protection laws and holding accountable those responsible for environmental degradation.
In addition to its ruling on the Jim Corbett National Park, the Supreme Court formed a committee to assess whether tiger safaris could be permitted in buffer or fringe areas of national parks across the country. This move reflects the court’s broader concern for preserving India’s rich biodiversity while promoting responsible tourism practices.
Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted raids at the residences of Rawat and Chand regarding unauthorized construction within the tiger reserve. This enforcement action highlights the seriousness with which authorities are addressing environmental violations and underscores the need for strict adherence to conservation laws.
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