THE CONTEXT: Recently, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, was hearing a public interest litigation on the illegal felling of trees and constructions within the Tiger Breeding Habitat of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Court has come down heavily on the Uttarakhand government for the activities in the Jim Corbett National Park.
THE SC JUDGEMENT:
In the judgment the court observed:
- Tiger as indicator of ecosystem wellbeing: The presence of tigers in the forests is an indicator of the well-being of the ecosystem. Unless steps are taken for the protection of tigers, the ecosystem which revolves around tigers cannot be protected. Events like illegal construction and illicit felling of trees like the one in Corbett should not be ignored.
- Link between corruption and protection: The forest officials and a top politician in the State worked together to vastly expand the scope of a tiger safari in the park was a mockery of conservation practices. The link between political corruption and environmental damage is especially relevant in this case. The Court’s judgment has consequences for the management of wildlife parks, particularly on the question of whether ‘tiger safaris’ in the buffer and fringe zones of wildlife parks should be undertaken with conservation measures.
- Disagreement with NTCA guidelines: The court disagreed with the 2019 NTCA guidelines of bringing tigers exhibited in zoos for these safaris. Section 9 of the 2016 NTCA guidelines said only injured tigers after suitable treatment, conflict tigers or orphaned tiger cubs “unfit for re-wilding and release into the wild” ought to be put in the safari. The court suggested tigers should be sourced from the same landscape as where the safari was established.
- The court also objected to provisions in the 2019 guidelines which said the selection of animals to be put in the safaris would be done with the approval of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The court dismissed the idea of the CZA formulating in the future a “Master Plan” for the management of tiger safaris.
Recommendation of court:
- The Court has recommended that the centre evolve guidelines on the conduct of safaris and the government should deliver on this at the earliest and be extremely cautious on its messaging regarding tourism and conservation.
- The court said safaris already existing, like the one in Pakhro zone at Corbett, need not be disturbed. It however directed the Uttarakhand government to establish an animal rescue centre in the vicinity of the safari.
- Further, the judgment stressed that tiger safaris should be established keeping in mind the precautionary principle of causing least damage to the environment. Resorts should be built in tune with the natural environment and noise levels should be restricted. Safaris should be proximate to animal rescue centres.
- The approach must be of eco-centrism and not of anthropocentrism. The precautionary principle must be applied to ensure that the least amount of environmental damage is caused. The animals sourced shall not be from outside the tiger reserve.
ISSUES:
- Noise pollution in safaris: The Court referred to various resorts in the vicinity of the park that often played loud music and posed a threat to animals.
- Inadequate action of bodies: Both the Central Zoo Authority and the National Tiger Conservation Authority are expert bodies affiliated to the Union Environment Ministry, and tasked with the conservation and protection of wild animals. These organisations did not raise any objection to the existence of tiger safaris, provided these are conducted within the ambit of an array of guidelines.
- Commercial tourism instead of ecotourism: Wildlife safaris in a designated spot draw attention away from the core zones of the forest and hence promote its inviolate nature as well as raise public awareness about conservation. This is the underlying rationale for safaris. Their overarching aim should be eco-tourism and not commercial tourism. However, in recent times, the argument that this could be a source of employment opportunities for locals, and that State governments should be promoting this as a commercial tourism.
- Unsustainable Tourism Practices: Wildlife, their habitats, and local communities can all be significantly impacted by unsustainable tourism practices. Overcrowding, off-road driving, feeding animals, and littering are all examples of unsustainable tourism practices. Wildlife and their natural behaviour can be disrupted, habitats can be damaged, and invasive species can spread.
- Nexus between politician and officials: The Supreme Court condemned the illegal felling of over 6,000 trees to construct buildings, for “eco-tourism” at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, as a “classic case” of nexus between politicians and officials causing damage to the environment for short-term commercial ends. Also, the recent translocation of cheetahs from Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, also aims to revive the tiger’s presence and promote tourism. This, however, is a slippery slope and can very easily lead to political capture, as the proceedings in the Corbett Park demonstrate.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Promoting Sustainable Practices in Tourist Destinations: Promoting sustainable practices is the need of hour in tourist destinations which involves waste reduction, energy conservation, and preserving natural and cultural resources. By integrating sustainable practices into tourism management, destinations can minimize their environmental impact while providing authentic and enriching experiences for travellers.
- Creating Synergy in Tourism Eco System: In order to ensure synergy at various levels of Government and with the Private Sector, it is important to have a well-defined framework in place.
- Regulatory authority: There is a need for setting of regulatory authority for executing and operationalizing various tourism-related initiatives. It should be set up to provide overall vision, guidance and direction to the development of the tourism sector in the country.
- Involving locals: By involving locals in the planning and managing eco-tourism initiatives, their well-being and cultural heritage are preserved, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. Moreover, it helps keep ecosystems and biodiversity by promoting respectful interaction with the natural environment.
- Promoting eco-tourism: Eco-tourism contributes to sustainable development by promoting responsible travel that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local communities. It fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for nature and encourages the preservation of natural resources and local cultures.
THE CONCLUSION:
The swift rise in tourism in eco sensitive region emphasizes the fragility of ecosystems, underscores the need to maintain a balance between tourist numbers and ecological conservation. For the long-term conservation of wildlife and its habitats, wildlife safari protection is important. Eco-friendly tourism minimizes the negative impact on the natural environment and supports local communities and economies.
UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
Q.1 Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. (2016)
Q.2 What are the key challenges facing India’s tourism sector and what are some potential solutions to these challenges? (2023)
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q.1 What measures can India take to effectively preserve and protect ecologically sensitive region, while balancing the need for tourism with conservation efforts?
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