Despite SC order, MP goes whole hog on tiger tourism | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Despite SC order, MP goes whole hog on tiger tourism

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Oct 23, 2012 12:21 AM IST

Within days of the Supreme Court order lifting the ban on tourism in tiger areas, the Madhya Pradesh government directed tiger reserve directors to allow tourism in tiger reserves.

Within days of the Supreme Court order lifting the ban on tourism in tiger areas, the Madhya Pradesh government directed tiger reserve directors to allow tourism in tiger reserves.

HT Image
HT Image

The apex court on October 16 has issued an order allowing resumption of tourism activity in 41 tiger reserves in India on the condition that they should be as per the new guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority notified a day earlier. “Henceforth, tourism activities will be strictly in accordance with the guidelines,” the court had said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Madhya Pradesh's principal chief conservator of forests P K Shukla on October 19 instructed directors of all tiger reserves, except Kanha, asking them to resume tourism as per the carrying capacity of core areas decided by his department on December 26, 2007.

“It is made clear that the guideline is applicable for entire day,” his letter said, adding that the reserves will have to decide the number of tourist vehicles to be allowed in morning and evening hours as per the 2007 guideline.

In case of Kanha, Shukla’s letter said, tourism area should be earmarked as per the directions issued in September 2011, which allows tourism in around 37% of the core area. The NTCA guideline has said tourism should not be allowed in more than 20% of the core area and in reserves it should be brought down to 20% in five years.

Ajay Dubey, who had filed PIL in the SC seeking a ban on tourism activity inside core areas, said the state order violates court’s directions. “I will file a contempt suit if the government does not modify its orders,” he said.

The MP government has, however, referred to the NTCA guidelines with regard to regulating tourism activity inside tiger habitats.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Chetan Chauhan is National Affairs Editor. A journalist for over two decades, he has written extensively on social sector and politics with special focus on environment and political economy.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On