Uttar Pradesh defies Centre’s order, opens tiger reserves to public
The Uttar Pradesh Government has commenced boating, safari and establishment of parks in the core zones of its tiger reserves despite Centre’s order that called for the removal of all the tourism structures from the reserves.
In 2019, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory authority under the Union environment ministry directed all the states to remove tourism structures from core tiger zones to protect tiger habitats. The order also stated that no new permanent tourist facilities in core areas of tiger reserves should be allowed. A core area of a tiger reserve is free from human interference and any activities like construction, eco-tourism facilities are banned.
A boating point in the core zone of Pilibhit Tiger reserve has been established. At the tiger reserve’s Chukha beach, located at the banks of Sharda, the forest department has constructed a bamboo hut to attract tourists.
The Uttar Pradesh Government has allotted Rs 38 lakh to upgrade tourism facilities like constructing a lawn and parking space in Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Chitrakoot.
In Dudhwa Tiger Reserve the government has renewed jungle safaris.
The government has also announced its plans of developing eco-tourism structures in other wildlife sanctuaries.
UP Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena, “Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary which has a presence of tigers and leopards will be developed on par with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.”
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Sudhir Kumar Sharma, declined to comment on the matter.
