In a significant move to protect one of India’s most sensitive wildlife zones, the Supreme Court on Monday issued strong directions to the Uttarakhand government to restore damaged areas of the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve and demolish all unauthorised structures within three months.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, along with Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria, delivered a firm ruling aimed at ending illegal construction, reckless tourism, and administrative failures that have harmed the iconic reserve.
Eco-Tourism Only, No Exploitation: SC’s Clear Message
The apex court made it clear that promotion of tourism cannot come at the cost of wildlife conservation.
“If tourism has to be promoted, it has to be eco-tourism,” the bench emphasised.
The ruling came in response to a plea filed by TN Godavarman, focused on protecting the forest and regulating permissions linked to the controversial Pakhro Tiger Safari project.
Illegal Constructions to Go — Buffer & Catchment Areas Protected
The Court listed specific activities that must be completely banned in the buffer zones and catchment areas of the tiger reserve to ensure minimal human interference.
It directed the Chief Wildlife Warden to oversee the demolition of illegal structures and ensure that forest camps receive basic facilities such as clean drinking water.
Sharp Criticism of Ex-Minister Harak Singh Rawat
In a rare rebuke, the Supreme Court criticised former Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat and Divisional Forest Officer Kishan Chand, holding them responsible for extensive ecological damage caused by illegal tree felling and unauthorised work inside the protected forest.
Special Support for Core-Area Staff
Recognising the challenges faced by forest staff living away from their families in remote zones, the Court ordered better work conditions, dedicated facilities, and no outsourcing of staff roles. The bench also suggested medals or incentives to motivate frontline forest workers.
Tiger Safari Must Follow NTCA Rules
To prevent future violations, the Court mandated that any tiger safari project must strictly follow the NTCA’s 2019 guidelines, including:
●Setting up rescue centres
●Regulating vehicle movement
●Avoiding unnecessary construction and disturbance
A Step Toward Healing Corbett
With these stringent directions, the Supreme Court aims to restore the ecological balance of Jim Corbett — India’s oldest and most visited tiger reserve — while ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and wildlife-friendly.
