A pan-India policy regulating activities in tiger reserves is needed. The Supreme Court of India has stepped in. The call is for a unified approach. It comes in response to various irregularities and illegal activities. These activities were threatening the conservation efforts in these critical habitats. The Court’s intervention is a step towards ensuring the conservation of tiger reserves. The tiger population has been under constant threat from human activities.
The need for a consistent policy across all tiger reserves in India cannot be overstated. Currently, the management practices and regulations vary from one reserve to another. This has led to inconsistencies that can undermine conservation efforts. For instance, vehicular disruptions and illegal activities have been reported in several reserves. These illegal activities include deforestation and unauthorized construction. The reserves are the Corbett Tiger Reserve and Maharashtra’s Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. These activities disturb the natural habitat of tigers. They also pose a significant threat to their survival.
The Supreme Court’s directive for a uniform policy aims to address these issues. It has directed standardizing the management practices across all tiger reserves. This would include regulating vehicular movements. Prevention of illegal activities would ensure that the rules are enforced consistently. The Court hopes to create an effective and cohesive framework for tiger conservation.
This initiative has one key aspect – the involvement of the CBI. It will investigate illegal activities related to wildlife tourism and deforestation. The CBI’s getting involved highlights the severity of the issue. Illegal construction and felling of over 6,000 trees has been going on for the Pakhro Tiger Safari project in Uttarakhand. The CBI has been instructed to continue its investigation under direct court supervision. This will ensure accountability and transparency in the process.
Various stakeholders need to collaborate on this. This includes government agencies, conservationists, and local communities. Wildlife biologist Harendra Singh Bargali has welcomed the Supreme Court’s initiative. He noted it will bring together some of the finest minds in the country. They will address the challenges posed by increasing wildlife tourism inside tiger reserves. This collaborative approach is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Implementing these strategies will protect tigers and their habitats.
The Supreme Court’s intervention shows the critical role of the judiciary in environmental conservation. By taking a proactive stance on this issue, the Court is sending a strong message. India’s natural heritage needs to be protected. Continuous monitoring and enforcement of conservation laws are required. The steps cannot be merely symbolic but should be actively implemented on the ground.