SC Orders States to Notify ESZs, Imposes Strict Curbs on Tiger Tourism
In a major boost to wildlife protection, the Supreme Court has issued a sweeping set of guidelines regulating Tiger Tourism and Conservation practices across India’s tiger reserves. The order, delivered by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justices A.G. Masih and A.S. Chandurkar, lays down strict norms for safari operations, eco-tourism, traffic movement, and conservation planning, while directing states to immediately strengthen tiger protection measures.
The Court made it clear that tiger safaris shall not be established within core or critical tiger habitats, and may only be located on non-forest land or degraded forest land in the buffer zones of tiger reserves. Even in permitted locations, the Court emphasized that safari models must be scientifically managed and strictly regulated.
Safari should involve only Conflict or Injured Tigers
The Court ruled that only conflict, injured, or abandoned tigers, and only those originating from the same landscape – may be housed in safari facilities. Healthy wild tigers and zoo-bred tigers cannot be used for safari purposes.
Any approved safari must be accompanied by a full-fledged rescue and rehabilitation center for distressed big cats. Further, all safari enclosures must be approved by the Central Zoo Authority, and the management of such areas will remain under the supervision of the Tiger Reserves’ Field Director.
The Court directed that all revenues generated from safari activities be routed exclusively to the Tiger Conservation Foundation, ensuring funds are reinvested in habitat protection and conservation.
Night Tourism Banned; Traffic Curbs from Dusk to Dawn
A significant part of the judgment is a blanket ban on night tourism inside all tiger reserves.
Additionally, in core areas where public roads pass through critical tiger habitat, vehicular movement must be stopped from dusk to dawn, except for ambulances or emergency services.
The Court also prohibited the use of mobile phones within tourism zones inside core tiger habitats, citing disturbance to wildlife.
Eco-Sensitive Zones Must Be Notified
Reinforcing past directions, the Bench ordered all states to notify Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around tiger reserves within one year.
As per a 2018 circular of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), ESZs should at minimum include the buffer or fringe areas of the reserve.
States must also prepare or revise the Tiger Conservation Plans within three months, and formally notify both core and buffer areas of reserves within six months.
Prohibited Activities in Buffer and Fringe Areas
The Court listed several activities that are now barred within buffer or fringe areas of tiger reserves. These include:
- Commercial mining
- Polluting industries
- Commercial firewood use
- Major hydroelectric projects
- Introduction of exotic species
- Production of hazardous substances
- Low-flying aircraft and tourism aircraft
- Waste discharge
- Tree felling without lawful clearances
These restrictions, the Court observed, are essential to preserve ecological integrity and prevent habitat fragmentation.
Eco-Friendly Regulated and Community-Based Tourism in Buffer Zones allowed
While curbing harmful activities, the Supreme Court permitted regulated eco-tourism in buffer areas under strict conditions.
Eco-friendly resorts may be established in buffer zones, but not in identified tiger corridors, which serve as critical movement pathways for big cats.
The Court strongly encouraged community-based tourism, including homestays and establishments run by local communities, to ensure livelihood benefits without compromising ecological stability.
Safari vehicles within reserves must be solar-powered, hybrid, or electric, and safari operations must follow established carrying-capacity norms to prevent overcrowding.
Background: Corbett Violations Prompted Review
The judgment is a continuation of orders passed on 6 March 2024 concerning illegal constructions, felling of trees, and proposed tiger safari at Pakhrau, Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Court considered the Expert Committee Report and issued nationwide directives on tiger conservation, tiger safaris, ecotourism and protection of Tiger Reserves. The court had ordered a CBI Investigation. 8 officers (including former DFOs, CTR Director, Range Officers) were chargesheeted and disciplinary action is pending against them.
A Strong Push for Wildlife Habitat & Long-Term Tiger Conservation
With these directives, the Supreme Court aims to realign tiger tourism with conservation priorities. The strict regulation of safari locations, prohibition of night tourism, restriction on disruptive activities, and insistence on proper conservation planning reflect an ambitious attempt to secure India’s tiger landscapes from ecological degradation and commercial overreach.
