A recent recommendation from a Supreme Court panel aims to enhance the protection of tigers and their habitats. The panel has proposed a series of measures including a ban on night tourism, restrictions on safaris in core areas, and limitations on nighttime traffic. These initiatives are designed to safeguard wildlife and mitigate human-induced harm.
The Supreme Court panel has highlighted that night tourism significantly disrupts animal movement and their natural resting patterns. In specific reserves like Corbett and Bandipur, night safaris have caused tigers to avoid their prime habitats, which in turn hampers their mating and hunting activities. To address this, the panel recommends designating core and buffer zones as “Silent Zones”.
Core areas, buffer zones, and Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) within tiger reserves will be declared as Silent Zones. For instance, in Ranthambhore, mobile phone usage and traffic in the core zone will be strictly restricted at night.
The panel has also called for the regulation of night traffic on roads that traverse through reserves. A notable example is the NH-212 road in Bandipur, where implementing night-time traffic closures has led to a reduction in animal fatalities and alleviated stress on wildlife.
The Pakhro tiger safari in Corbett has faced scrutiny due to illegal logging activities, where over 6,000 trees were felled. The Supreme Court has ordered a CBI investigation and mandated that those responsible deposit ₹229.8 crore into a conservation fund.
The committee is against the operation of safaris within core forest areas as they interfere with critical breeding zones. Instead, the panel suggests relocating these safaris to degraded lands. For instance, in Kanha, the implementation of buffer safaris has effectively managed visitor crowds without impacting core wildlife.
The panel advocates that 75% of forest personnel in tiger reserves be armed and trained. This approach mirrors policies in Kaziranga National Park, where the presence of armed staff has significantly reduced poaching incidents.
In addition, the committee has proposed enhanced legal protections for forest staff, which would include benefits such as insurance, pensions, and compensation for any fatalities. These provisions would align with the protections afforded to police or CRPF personnel.
Financial reforms have also been suggested, which entail depositing funds collected from violations, such as the ₹229.8 crore from the Pakhro case, into a dedicated account managed by the Forest Department for the purpose of wildlife preservation.
The use of mobile phones in reserves has been shown to disturb nocturnal wildlife. For example, in Nagarhole, visitors taking selfies with flashlights have created stress for elephants and big cats. The panel seeks to impose restrictions on mobile phone usage within core zones.
Lastly, the panel has put forth several welfare enhancements for forest staff, which include regular health check-ups, improved housing conditions, green uniforms, and the deployment of trained battalions, particularly in high-risk areas such as Simlipal and Sundarbans.
Q1. Why is there a ban on night tourism in tiger reserves?
Answer: The ban is aimed at reducing disturbances to animal movements and resting cycles, which are critical for their survival and breeding.
Q2. What are Silent Zones?
Answer: Silent Zones are designated areas in reserves where night traffic and mobile phone usage are restricted to protect wildlife from human interference.
Q3. How will the panel regulate traffic movement at night?
Answer: The panel recommends curtailing night traffic on roads through reserves to reduce stress on wildlife and prevent accidents.
Q4. What legal protections are being proposed for forest workers?
Answer: Recommendations include better legal coverage, insurance, pensions, and compensation for fatalities, similar to protections for police personnel.
Q5. How does mobile phone use affect wildlife?
Answer: Mobile phone use can disturb nocturnal wildlife, causing stress, particularly when flash photography is involved in sensitive habitats.
Question 1: What is the main reason for banning night tourism in tiger reserves?
A) To increase tourism revenue
B) To promote wildlife photography
C) To protect animal movement and resting cycles
D) To reduce human presence in reserves
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: What are Silent Zones in the context of tiger reserves?
A) Areas open for night safaris
B) Zones with no human activity allowed
C) Designated areas with restricted mobile use and traffic
D) Areas for breeding programs
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is a significant issue with the Pakhro tiger safari?
A) It has increased poaching incidents
B) It involves illegal deforestation
C) It promotes wildlife tourism
D) It is a successful conservation effort
Correct Answer: B
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