Supreme Court It was hearing a case related to illegal construction in Corbett National Park and establishment of Tiger Safari in the buffer area. The bench issued notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and asked, what is the need to make safaris in national parks. They have to reply by January 15.
The Supreme Court has banned any construction in the core area of tiger and wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The top court said on Wednesday, there is no justification for making zoos or safaris at these places. Can’t promote it. A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath was hearing a matter related to illegal construction in Corbett National Park and establishment of Tiger Safari in the buffer area.
The bench issued notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and asked, what is the need to make safaris in national parks. They have to reply by January 15. The bench was hearing petitions related to illegal felling of trees in the name of establishment of Tiger Safari in Gujjar Sot, Pakhru Block, Sonanadi Range, Kalagarh Division, Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The bench expressed displeasure over the cutting of 6,093 trees.
The bench was told during the hearing that 6,093 trees were cut in the tiger reserve for the construction work. Expressing displeasure over this, the bench asked, which officer did this. Additional Solicitor General Balbir Singh, appearing for the Ministry of Environment and Forests, said that he would investigate the tiger reserve and inform the court.
CEC had also suggested to amend the guidelines
The Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in its report also suggested the Union Environment Ministry to amend or withdraw guidelines on setting up zoos and safaris within tiger and wildlife sanctuaries. The committee was of the view that these sites should not be used for tourist activities.
The CEC, in its report, had said that setting up of safaris and zoos is an important component of promoting wildlife tourism and educating people about endangered species, but opening them in core areas could put life and ecosystem at risk. Could wildlife education endangered species It should not be at the cost of life.