Supreme Court Approves Tiger Safari in Corbett Buffer Zone, Condemns Environmental Damage

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has sanctioned Tiger Safaris within the buffer zone of Jim Corbett National Park but vehemently prohibited them within its core area, emphasizing environmental preservation. The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai, Prashant Kumar Mishra, and Sandeep Mehta, delivered a scathing rebuke to former Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kishan Chand for their role in environmental degradation.

"This is a case that shows how a nexus between a Politician and a Forest Officer has resulted in causing heavy damage to the environment for some political and commercial gain," remarked the Court, expressing dismay at the disregard for statutory provisions. The CBI has been directed to expeditiously conclude its investigation into the matter.

Addressing the issue of illegal tree felling in the park, the Court underscored its significance. In terms of the Safaris, existing ones and those under construction at Pakhrau will be preserved, while the State of Uttarakhand must relocate or establish a rescue center near the 'Tiger Safari.'

A committee, composed of representatives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), and wildlife authorities, has been mandated to assess damages, quantify restoration costs, and identify liable officers. The Court directed that the recovery of costs should be solely allocated for the restoration of damages.

In addition, the Court sought recommendations from ex-Director General of Forests & Special Secretary Chander Prakash Goyal and IFS officers Anup Malik and Samir Sinha for enhanced tiger reserve management in India.

The verdict emanated from a case challenging the proposed Pakhro Tiger Safari project at Jim Corbett National Park. Notably, the Court's decision aligns with an 'animal-centric' approach over a 'tourism-centric' one, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of wildlife conservation in ecologically sensitive areas.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer, MIT ADT University