The State forest department on Monday informed the Bombay High Court that to regulate “tourists’ misbehaviour”, it has framed new standard operating procedures or guidelines regarding the conduct of owners of safari vehicles, guides and tourists in the reserves.
This came after the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court earlier this month took cognisance of a news report that vehicles carrying tourists blocked the way of a tigress named F2 and her five cubs in a tiger reserve in Vidarbha on December 31, 2024.
Besides prohibition on using mobile phones, the tourists are also put on notice to ensure their behaviour to not cause any disturbance to wild animals and the possibility of a ban on a particular tourist in the particular forest area cannot be ruled out.
Earlier this month, the forest department had told the bench that it had decided to prohibit the use of mobile phones during jungle safaris at all tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in the state to reduce crowding around tiger-sighting spots.
A division bench of Justices Nitin W Sambre and Vrushali V Joshi has been hearing the suo motu PIL, which was initiated after taking cognisance of a report published in Loksatta about Gypsies driven by forest department-approved drivers and guided by trained guides blocking the way of the tigress in the Umrer-Paoni-Karhandla Tiger Reserve.
Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director, Pench Tiger Reserve and also working as Field Director of Bor Tiger Reserve in his affidavit filed before the HC stated that the SOPs formulated have been finalised and would be initially made applicable to wildlife sanctuaries including Bor, Pench, Umrer-Paoni and similar SOPs to regulate tourist movements in the entire state are in process of being prepared.
“The forest department is indeed sensitive to the requirement of these wild animals and tigers in particular, for, if the tigers are protected, the eco system which revolves around them also stands protected. The SOPs are already implemented and steps in accordance with the SOPs have been initiated,” the affidavit stated.
It said the safari guides have been asked to be more vigilant and alert and ensure strict discipline and ensure that tourists do not behave in any unruly manner and animals should not feel perturbed because of human presence.
The tourists will be issued “stern” directives to not indulge in any conduct in “uncouth manner” and to “behave orderly” during the entire ride. “The tourists are briefed so that they do not bring upon undue pressure either on the forest guide or the gypsy driver to ensure sighting of wildlife of their liking,” the affidavit added.
The department, while putting a ban on use of mobile phones, has stated that use of cameras, video recording devices with prior permission will be allowed based on the terms specified by respective area authorities after prescribed fees are paid for the same.
It also said that vehicles must not stop near areas where a tigress is hiding or resting with her cubs.
The department also stated that on most occasions tourists’ un-ending demands make the situation “scary” for animals and equally to tourist vehicles as the jeeps come in close proximity to animals. Therefore, the department said the tourists’ education and sensitization about their conduct during jungle safari is of importance and the same shall be undertaken.
The HC will hear plea next on February 3.
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