Supreme Court Orders Tiger Safaris Shifted To Non-Forest Areas, Imposes Ban On Night Tourism

India boasts a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offering a great opportunity for wildlife lovers to get close to nature. Parks like Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, and Tadoba are perfect for spotting magnificent tigers and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. If you're a safari enthusiast planning a visit, there's an important update from the Supreme Court to consider. A recent ruling from a three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, states that tiger safaris can only take place on "non-forest land" or "degraded forest land," as long as it doesn’t interfere with established tiger corridors.

The 80-page judgment released by Chief Justice Gavai emphasizes new ecological measures that will affect how visitors interact with tiger habitats. According to the ruling, tiger safaris must be located on non-forest or degraded land within buffer zones, ensuring that these areas are not part of recognized tiger corridors that are crucial for wildlife movement.

You will now encounter new regulations aimed at preserving wildlife and their habitats.

Safari activities allowed in buffer zones must be tied to a rescue and rehabilitation center for tigers that face conflicts, injuries, or abandonment, ensuring that tourism supports conservation efforts.

The Supreme Court has mandated that the creation of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) will follow guidelines established in a government letter from April 2018. Each state has been given a year to define ESZ boundaries, which will influence future planning for tourism infrastructure.

Tiger Safaris At Night Is Fully Prohibited For Visitors

Besides this, you must also know that certain activities have been banned in these areas to safeguard sensitive ecosystems, such as commercial mining and waste disposal in natural habitats. While some road enhancements and nighttime vehicle access are permitted, they will be strictly controlled. New tourism development must adhere to eco-friendly standards, with prioritization given to sustainable options like community-run lodgings over large resorts.

Finally, visitors need to adhere strictly to the established regulations. The Supreme Court has fully prohibited night tourism and restricted the use of mobile phones in key tourist areas within core habitats. During nighttime, only emergency vehicles are permitted on public roads that traverse vital habitats. To ensure consistency across reserves, the court has instructed states to either create or revise their Tiger Conservation Plans within three months and to formally designate core and buffer zones within six months.