How much noise 50 Gypsies create? HC questions state's proposal to open new safari zone in Corbett
Dehradun:
Uttarakhand high court
directed the state govt to submit a detailed report on the noise likely to be generated by 50 Gypsies operating in two shifts, if a new jungle safari is approved in
Corbett Tiger Reserve
's Bailpadav range. A bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also questioned the justification behind creating a new
eco-tourism
zone and raised concerns over its potential impact on wildlife when the matter was heard on Wednesday.
The court asked the state govt to include observations from the pollution control board and confirm whether permissions were obtained from relevant departments before proposing the
Chandni Safari
. The court said, "Animals in forests are more sensitive to noise pollution than human beings like us. It would adversely affect them if we continue opening forests for jungle safari one after another."
The petition, filed by residents of Ramnagar, argued that Corbett already has 15 designated ecotourism zones and that any expansion into new areas would disturb wildlife, increase human-animal conflict, and push animals towards human settlements. They alleged that the forest department failed to consult local villagers before planning the
new safari zone
, in violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and guidelines of the Government of India. The petitioner also claimed that the state govt acted without obtaining clearance from the central govt, which breaches established rules. The forest department, during the hearing, said the proposed eco-zone has not yet been notified.
The court instructed the state govt to submit a compliance report within 10 days on whether procedural norms were followed. It added that the forest department's role was to conserve forests, not to turn them into destinations for parties or weddings, adding that such zones benefit the hotel lobby.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The proposed Chandni Safari in the Bailpadav range aims to develop a 35km safari track, allowing 30 to 50 vehicles per session, with an estimated investment of Rs 1.5 crore over two years. The forest department contends that this initiative would alleviate tourist pressure on existing zones and promote wildlife tourism.
However, the expansion of eco-tourism in Corbett has faced criticism due to concerns over environmental degradation. Reports have highlighted issues such as illegal tree felling and construction activities under the guise of eco-tourism, leading to habitat disruption and increased human-wildlife conflict.
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