Right now, the Jim Corbett Reserve stretches across 1,288.31 square kilometers. Within this expanse, there’s a core area covering 822 square kilometers, dedicated to the Jim Corbett National Park. Additionally, there’s a buffer zone spanning 466.31 square kilometers, which houses reserve forests along with the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Big news from the Supreme Court! They’ve put their foot down on tiger safaris in the core areas of Jim Corbett National Park. Why, you ask? Well, it seems the Uttarakhand government hasn’t been playing by the rules. They’ve been caught red-handed with illegal construction and chopping down trees in the Reserve, putting our wildlife in danger.
The Court didn’t hold back, calling out former Uttarakhand forest minister Harak Singh Rawat and the divisional forest officer Kishan Chand for their part in this mess. “They have thrown the public trust doctrine in the waste bin,” the court said. It’s a reminder that our natural treasures deserve better protection, and it’s up to all of us to ensure they’re safeguarded for generations to come.
The Supreme Court has made a significant move to address environmental concerns by instructing the government to set up a committee aimed at mitigating damage to the environment and holding those responsible accountable. Additionally, it has tasked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with providing an interim report on their ongoing investigation within three months.
At a recent hearing led by Justices BR Gavai, PK Mishra, and Sandeep Mehta, a significant decision was made in response to a petition filed by environmental activist and lawyer, Gaurav Bansal. Bansal who raised objections to the Uttarakhand government’s proposal to establish a tiger safari and zoo within a national park, where animals would be confined. The Court’s intervention highlights the importance of preserving our natural habitats and ensuring the well-being of wildlife.
The court really took a hard look at the situation, recognizing both the potential benefits and the risks of setting up a safari right in the heart of the area. They understood that it could bring jobs, but they also saw the harm it could cause. So, what they decided was to allow tiger safaris in the outer edges and buffer zones of Jim Corbett, but with some important conditions attached.
This decision from the Supreme Court isn’t just about making rules; it’s about finding that sweet spot between encouraging tourism and making sure we don’t mess up the precious ecosystems in Jim Corbett National Park. It’s all about striking that delicate balance.
What are Jim Corbett National Park Core areas?
Jim Corbett National Park is like a shield for nature, nestled among the 13 precious spots guarded by the World Wide Fund for Nature, all part of their Terai Arc Landscape project. Its mission? To be a safe haven for three of the most majestic creatures on land – tigers, Asiatic elephants, and the rare green-horned rhinoceros.
The Jim Corbett Reserve stretches across 1,288.31 square kilometers, covering 822 square kilometers known as the core zone, where the essence of the park thrives. Surrounding it, like a comforting embrace, is the buffer area, spreading across 466.31 square kilometers. In this buffer, you’ll find not just protective forests, but also the nurturing grounds of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
The park’s magic isn’t confined to just one area. It has six other special zones, each contributing to the adventure of wildlife safaris – Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Dhikala, Durga, and Sitabani.
Tourism's Influence: How it Affects Locals and Wildlife
The impact of tourism on both locals and wildlife in places like Jim Corbett National Park is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. For many locals, tourism is a lifeline, providing direct income from visitors who come from both nearby regions and far-off places. Research conducted by Harish Kumar from the University of Delhi sheds light on this, indicating that transportation and tourist safaris play a significant role, accounting for 37% of the total income generated from tourism. Additionally, businesses such as food centers, dhabas, and restaurants thrive, along with resident facilities like resorts and hotels, all benefiting from the influx of tourists into Jim Corbett National Park.
However, there are also challenges associated with the growth of tourism in these areas. A study commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism has highlighted how the development of tourism infrastructure can inadvertently disrupt crucial wildlife corridors, particularly those used by tigers and elephants. Dhikuli, situated on the eastern side of Corbett, serves as a stark example, with a rapidly increasing number of resorts—currently numbering over 65. This concentration of resorts, coupled with encroachment in areas like Sundarkhal, effectively blocks important wildlife corridors, such as the Kosi corridor. These corridors are vital for the movement of wildlife, connecting Corbett Tiger Reserve to other forests in the region. It’s worth noting that the Wildlife Institute of India, as well as the state forest department, have identified these corridors as essential for conservation efforts.
In essence, while tourism brings economic opportunities for locals, it also presents challenges for wildlife conservation. Balancing the needs of both human communities and the natural environment is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of places like Jim Corbett National Park.