Indians are showing growing interest in tiger safaris, which can inadvertently impact the tigers and their habitats. To address this, the Supreme Court has introduced major changes to tiger tourism in India. These news rules aim to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems and make tourism in tiger reserves safer for both animals and the environment. Scroll down to know what these new changes are.
Tiger Safaris Now Limited To Non-Forest Land
The Supreme Court recently introduced an 80-page judgment. As part of it, tiger safaris can only operate on non-forest or degraded forest land in buffer zones. Importantly, no safari can take place within core tiger habitats or recognised wildlife corridors, which are vital for animal movement. With the new rules, the court is ensuring that tourism does not disturb the natural behaviour of tigers and other wildlife.
According to NDTV, a special team of experts were appointed to study how tiger tourism was harming the environment at Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. After reviewing their findings, the Supreme Court judges—Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justices A. G. Masih and A. S. Chandurkar—decided firmly that no tiger safari will be allowed in the most important or protected parts of the reserves, called core or critical tiger areas.
Also Read: Karnataka Suspends Tiger Safari At THESE Two Reserves After 3 Tiger Attacks
Activities Banned At Tiger Reserves
Any tiger safari allowed in the buffer areas of a reserve must be linked to a proper rescue and rehabilitation centre for tigers that are injured, abandoned, or cause conflicts with humans. This way, tourism will help protect the wildlife rather than harming it.
The Supreme Court also gave clear instructions about Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around tiger reserves. States must follow the 2018 Ministry of Environment rules, which say that ESZs should at least cover the buffer or fringe areas of the reserves. States now have one year to officially define these ESZ boundaries.
Other activities banned around tiger reserves are commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydro projects, the introduction of exotic species, hazardous substance production, unauthorised tree cutting, low-flying aircraft, and night-time tourism, reported NDTV. Limited road work and controlled vehicle movement may continue, but under strict supervision.
Visitors should also follow these stricter rules. Night tourism is now completely banned, and mobile phones cannot be used in core habitats. Public roads crossing critical areas will allow only emergency vehicles after dark.
So, if you’re planning a tiger safari, don’t forget to follow these new rules!
Also Read: From Booking Early To Background Check: 5 Tiger Safari Tips Shared By A Wildlife Photographer
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