SC ruling to hit tiger tourism, say experts

Contrary to popular perception, the Supreme Court’s temporary ban on tourism in core areas is likely to hit tiger conservation hard in Maharashtra if it stays beyond its period of three weeks, say National Wildlife Board (NWLB) members and conservationists.

The reason: there is not a single private resort in core areas in the state’s tiger reserves and, unlike other states which are overwhelmed by private resorts in core areas, there is a problem of inadequate infrastructure for tourists.

Kishor Rithe, National Wildlife Board member and conservationist explained that “all reserves cannot be compared equally. Maharashtra's reserves are not money-spinners. There isn't enough tourism infrastructure in place and not a single private resort exists in the core areas.The need of the hour is to encourage private and local participation in making tourist facilities available so that conservation happens.”

Bittu Sehgal, veteran conservationist and member of the NWLB, was extremely critical about the SC order. “Our idea was to regulate and control tourism inside core areas not ban it completely.” Further, he added, “banning tourism in core areas means banning it altogether from tiger reserves.”