Tourism ban in core tiger areas extended

Extending the ban on tourism in core tiger reserve areas till September 27, the Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated it was not averse to permit regulated tourist activities, subject to the Centre evolving suitable revised guidelines to protect the depleting wild cat.

A Bench of justices A K Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar granted four weeks to the Centre to evolve the fresh guidelines after consultations with states, all stakeholders, hotel associations affected by the ban, guides and tour operators.

On July 24 the apex court had banned all tourism activities in the core tiger reserve areas.

"There is always a watch when tourism is allowed. If there is no tourism there will be no human to watch the tigers. Poachers will immediately be caught by tourists and the guides. Poachers actually work undercover. If no tourists are allowed, it will be a field day for poachers," the Bench told Attorney General G E Vahanvati, who agreed with the

observations.

The Bench asked the AG to ensure regulated tourism as hundreds of vehicles are trooping in and out of the core areas.

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