Tourism in Wildlife Parks

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government for cutting down approximately 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park. The Court deemed the collaboration between forest officials and a prominent state politician to significantly expand a tiger safari within the park as a violation of conservation principles.

Relevance:

GS3- Environment

Mains Question:

With reference to the recent felling of trees in Corbett National Park to expand tiger safari, discuss the pros and cons of wildlife safaris and suggest a strategy that can ensure that tourism in wildlife parks is not at odds with conservation efforts. (15 Marks, 250 Words).

More on the Case:

• Justice B.R. Gavai, part of the three-judge Bench, emphasized that the well-being of the ecosystem relies on the presence of tigers in the forests.
• The Court highlighted the urgent need for tiger protection to safeguard the ecosystem from issues like illegal construction and unauthorized tree felling, such as the incident in Corbett.
• The judgment draws attention to the nexus between political corruption and environmental harm, especially concerning the management of wildlife parks.
• It raises questions about the compatibility of ‘tiger safaris’ in the buffer and fringe zones of wildlife parks with effective conservation measures.
• Additionally, the Court mentioned the disruptive impact of nearby resorts playing loud music, posing a threat to the park’s wildlife.

Jim Corbett National Park:

• Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the Corbett National Park, launched under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973, is the first National Park in India and is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Originally established as Hailey National Park in 1936 to protect the endangered Bengal tiger, it is named after Jim Corbett, a key figure in its establishment.
• The park comprises a core area known as Corbett National Park and a buffer area that includes reserve forests and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The entire reserve, spanning mountainous terrain within the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological provinces, is intersected by major rivers like Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi.
• The flora of the region includes dense moist deciduous forests housing 600 plant species, as per the Botanical Survey of India, including prominent trees like Sal, Khair, and Sissoo.
• In terms of fauna, Corbett is not only inhabited by tigers but also hosts leopards and various other mammals such as jungle cats, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar deer, and sloth, showcasing its rich biodiversity.

Protection Status of National Parks:

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) of 1972 empowers the State Government to create National Parks in areas deemed ecologically, geomorphologically, and naturally significant.
• Although the WPA 1972 does not explicitly outline the conservation value difference between a National Park and a sanctuary, the primary aim of a national park is to safeguard the natural environment and preserve biodiversity.
• National Parks in India fall under IUCN category II protected areas, with Hailey National Park, established in 1936, being the country’s inaugural national park, now recognized as Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

Access to Protected Area:

Only the following are allowed entry into the national park:

• Individuals with residency permission from the Chief Wild Life Warden or an authorized officer.
• Individuals with property rights within the national park’s boundaries.
• Those traveling on public highways through the national park.
• Dependents of persons mentioned in clauses (a), (b), or (c) above.
• No one else is permitted to enter or reside in the national park without a granted permit.
• Public Servants on duty.

Permit Grant for Entry:

Upon application, the Chief Wild Life Warden can issue permits for various purposes, including wildlife investigation or study, photography, scientific research, tourism, and lawful business transactions within the national park.

Authority and Recommendations:

• The Chief Wild Life Warden holds the authority for controlling, managing, and maintaining all Protected Areas.
• The National Board for Wild Life may provide recommendations on establishing and managing national parks and activity restrictions.
• The State Board for Wild Life advises the State Government on designating and managing protected areas.

Allowed/Restricted Activities in National Parks:

• Human activity is restricted in National Parks, and livestock grazing and private tenurial rights are prohibited. Hunting or capturing species listed in the Schedule to the Wildlife Act is also prohibited.
• Wildlife exploitation, destruction, or habitat damage within a National Park is strictly prohibited, and these areas cannot be downgraded to “sanctuary” status.

Establishment and Boundary Changes:

Both federal and state governments can establish National Parks, but alterations to park boundaries require authorization through a State legislature resolution.

Wildlife Safaris:

• The Central Zoo Authority and the National Tiger Conservation Authority, both affiliated with the Union Environment Ministry, are expert bodies entrusted with the conservation and protection of wild animals. These organizations generally approve of tiger safaris, provided they adhere to a set of guidelines.
• The concept behind wildlife safaris in designated areas is to divert attention from the core zones of the forest, thus preserving its pristine nature and increasing public awareness about conservation. The primary objective of these safaris should be eco-tourism rather than commercial tourism.
• Nevertheless, there is a growing argument that such safaris could generate employment opportunities for locals, leading some state governments to endorse them.
• The recent relocation of cheetahs from Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, aims to revive the cat’s presence and boost tourism.
• However, this approach is precarious and could easily result in political influence, as evidenced by the events in Corbett Park.

Conclusion:

The Court suggests that the Central government establish guidelines for safari operations, and it is crucial for the government to promptly act on this recommendation. Additionally, the government should exercise caution in its messaging regarding tourism and conservation to strike a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.