Govt, others differ on number of tigers, SC extends tourism ban

Suspense over the exact number of tigers in India continued in the Supreme Court Wednesday when the Centre and other parties in a case relating to eco-tourism guidelines for the tiger reserves assumed contradictory positions on whether the number of big cats has risen or gone down.

The exactness of the number is significant since the SC has said its ban on tourism in core areas of tiger reserves was passed under an impression that the tiger population had gone down.

Additional Solicitor General Indira Jai Singh had earlier submitted that, as per surveys, there were 1,411 tigers in 2006 and 1,706 in 2010. She reiterated this on Wednesday.

But Chander Uday Singh, appearing for one of the parties, claimed it was wrong to say so. "There is a rise in the number between the two census only because in 2006 census tigers from Sundarbans were not counted," he said. Some parties said the variation in numbers was due to different methods of counting. The ASG said she had reliable data to prove their population had risen and she would submit this to the court.

The court then extended the ban on tourism in core areas, saying it will first hear all the parties. It asked the stakeholders to "have some patience" and assured them it will pass a "balanced order".

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