Safari Route Planned
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Uttar Pradesh is preparing to unveil a new jungle safari route for ecotourism, with the opening planned for November
1. This new route will cover a distance of about 6-7 kilometers, commencing from the Barahi forest guest house in the Barahi range. This initiative is part of an effort to attract more visitors to the reserve, alongside the existing routes. The PTR currently has two operational routes. One leads to the Chuka ecotourism spot, and the other starts from the Mahof gate in the Mahof range. The forest authorities have been making preparations for the inaugural ceremony at the entry point of the new route. The Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh confirmed the development to TOI.
Legal Concerns Raised
Legal experts have voiced concerns, labeling the expansion as a possible violation of the directives from the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court, particularly those restricting tourism within core tiger habitats. These courts had previously set limits on tourism in core zones. Senior HC lawyer Satish Kumar Mishra has indicated that he plans to file a fresh application before the Lucknow bench on October 27 through his pending PIL, seeking a prohibitory order against the new route, to address these concerns. These observations are based on the Allahabad High Court Lucknow bench's February 15, 2019, order, which capped tourism in core areas at a maximum of 20% of the total area.
Wildlife Advocates' Fears
Besides legal challenges, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists are expressing concerns about the potential impact of the new safari route on the tigers and their habitats. Kaushlendra Singh, a former member of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board, stated that the forest authorities seem to have made this decision to cater to resort and hotel owners, despite the understanding that it will be disturbing to the tigers. T H Khan, the secretary of the Save Environment Society, has reported that a representation signed by numerous conservationists was sent to the President, Prime Minister, Union environment minister, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority, asking them to uphold the apex court's directives and halt the safari route.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Simultaneously, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is also anticipated to introduce a new safari route on November 1. When questioned, Field Director H Rajamohan revealed that several decisions had been made regarding the new route. However, the formal announcement will be made by the forest minister, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, on the inaugural day. State-level forest authorities have declined to comment on the legal concerns surrounding the expansion of safari routes in core areas when contacted.
