Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats

Brief Context

Context The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat. Directions By SC Sensitive Zones: SC directed all states to notify the buffer and core areas of the tiger reserve within six months. Notify eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around all tiger reserves, including buffer and fringe areas, no later than one year from the date of judgement.

Source Content

Syllabus: GS3/Environment, Conservation

Context

• The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat.
  • A PIL was filed complaining about the various violations at the Corbett reserve for commercial exploitation in the name of tourism.

Directions By SC

• Sensitive Zones: SC directed all states to notify the buffer and core areas of the tiger reserve within six months.
  • Notify eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around all tiger reserves, including buffer and fringe areas, no later than one year from the date of judgement. 
• TCP Plans: The bench noted that from nine tiger reserves in 1973, the expanse of Project Tiger has increased to 58 reserves across India.
  • Directions were given to prepare a Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) within three months.
  • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) shall monitor the TCPs are put in place and whether the Steering Committees have been meeting at least twice a year.
• Tiger Safaris: The Supreme Court has prohibited tiger safaris in core tiger habitats, mandating them only on non-forest land with rescue centers for conflict animals and using electric vehicles.
• Designating HAC as Natural Disaster: SC suggested the states to actively consider classifying human-wildlife conflict as “natural disaster” and to ensure payment of Rs 10 lakh as ex gratia for every human death caused in such incidents.
  • Uttar Pradesh has already notified the human-wildlife conflict as a natural disaster.
  • It would enable faster disbursal of funds, immediate access to disaster management resources and clearer administrative accountability.
• Guidelines for HAC: It directed the NTCA to frame model guidelines on human-wildlife conflict within six months.
  • It fixed a six-month timeline for the states to implement the guidelines.
• Prohibited Activities: In the buffer and fringe areas of a tiger reserve it banned:
  • commercial mining, setting up of saw mills, industries causing pollution, establishment of major hydroelectric projects and activities related to tourism.
• Activities Allowed: Regulated activities such as:
  • establishment of hotels and resorts as per approved tourism prescriptions, 
  • commercial use of natural water resources including ground water harvesting, 
  • fencing of premises of hotels and lodges, widening of roads,
  • and movement of vehicular traffic at night.

Core Zone & Buffer Zone of Biosphere Reserves

• It is a large area of land or water that is recognised and protected by UNESCO.
• The main objective of a biosphere reserve is to promote sustainable development through the conservation of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable use of natural resources. 
• A biosphere reserve may cover multiple national parks and sanctuaries.
• The biosphere reserve typically includes three zones:
  • Core zone: A strictly protected area where human activities are not allowed.
  • Buffer zone: An area where limited human activities are allowed, including research and eco-tourism.
  • Transition zone: An area where sustainable development is encouraged, such as farming, forestry, and other human activities.

Source: TP