NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday emphasised the urgent need for a pan-India policy to standardise the management of tiger reserves, addressing issues such as vehicular disruptions and illegal activities that threaten wildlife conservation efforts.
During a hearing on irregularities in Corbett Tiger Reserve, a bench led by Justice B R Gavai, stressed the importance of consistent regulations nationwide.
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Justice Gavai said, “We want a uniform policy throughout the country so far as the management of tiger reserves is concerned.”
He cited an incident at Maharashtra’s Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, where safari vehicles obstructed the path of a tigress and her cubs. “Fortunately, HC has taken suo motu cognisance,” SC said.
Senior advocate K Parameshwar, acting as amicus curiae, presented findings from CBI’s inquiry into illegal construction and felling of over 6,000 trees, for Pakhro Tiger Safari project in Uttarakhand.
CBI’s report revealed severe lapses, prompting the bench to instruct that the investigation continue under direct court supervision.
SC instructed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on its investigation before the next hearing on March 19. Wildlife biologist Harendra Singh Bargali said, “The SC’s call for a uniform policy bring some of the finest brains of the country together to meet the challenges posed by ever-increasing wildlife tourism inside our tiger reserves.”
