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Supreme Court Slams Uttarakhand Govt Over Tree Felling in Jim Corbett National Park

Supreme Court Slams Uttarakhand Govt Over Tree Felling in Jim Corbett National Park

Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “A slippery slope: On the Jim Corbett National Park case, tourism and conservation which was published in the Hindu. The Supreme Court of India strongly criticised  the Uttarakhand government for the felling of about 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park.

Relevancy for Prelims: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Protected Areas In India, and National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries In India

Relevancy for Mains: Conservation, Environment pollution and degradation.

Supreme Court Ruling On Jim Corbett National Park Case: Key Highlights

  • Tigers are Indicator Species: In the judgement by a three-judge Bench, Justice B.R. Gavai emphasises the importance of protecting tigers, considering them as  indicators of a healthy ecosystem, and warns against illegal construction and tree felling.
    • jim corbett national parkCollusion between forest officials and politicians in Uttarakhand: The Court identifies a collusion to expand a tiger safari within the park, condemning it as a violation of conservation practices.
    • Question of allowing Safaris: The Court’s judgement 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 gel well with conservation measures
    • Noise Pollution nearby park: The Court draws attention to resorts near the park that disrupt wildlife with loud music, posing a threat to animals.
  • Conservation and Protection of Wild Animals

    • Expert 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.
    • They do not oppose tiger safaris but emphasise adherence to established guidelines.
    • These organisations, in principle, have no objection to the existence of tiger safaris, provided these are conducted within the ambit of an array of guidelines. 
  • Underlying Rationale for Wildlife Safaris

    • Maintain the Core Zones: Wildlife safaris in a designated spot diverts attention away from the core zones of the forest and promote its inviolate nature.
    • Raise public awareness about conservation.
    • Source of employment opportunities for locals.
    • Example-The recent translocation of cheetahs from Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, also aims to revive the cat’s presence and promote tourism. 
    • However, safaris should prioritise eco-tourism and not commercial tourism. 
    • There are concerns of political capture, as the proceedings in Jim Corbett National Park demonstrate. 

Conclusion

The Supreme Court has recommended that the Centre evolve guidelines on the conduct of safaris and the government would do well to deliver on this at the earliest and be extremely circumspect on its messaging regarding tourism and conservation.

Also Read: Complete List of 8 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

 

Prelims PYQ (2019): 

Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine 

(a) Manas National Park 

(b) Namdahpa National Park 

(c) Neora Valley National Park 

(d) Valley of Flowers National Park

Ans: (d)

 

Mains Question: Considering the ethical implications of wildlife tourism, critically examine the sustainability and ethical dimensions of tiger safaris in conservation areas, How should policymakers balance the interests of wildlife conservation, local community development, and the tourism industry? (10 marks, 150 words)

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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