The Supreme Court has mandated states to demarcate tiger reserve core and buffer areas within six months and implement comprehensive conservation plans in three months. A steering committee led by chief ministers will oversee implementation, with tourism now subject to National Tiger Conservation Authority guidelines. NEW DELHI: Aiming to strengthen the existing regime for tiger protection, the Supreme Court on Monday issued a slew of directions to the states including giving a six-month deadline to demarcate and notify core and buffer areas of tiger reserves and put in place within three months comprehensive tiger conservation plans (TCPs).In one of his last of important judgments prior to retirement on Nov 23 relating to protection of environment, flora and fauna, CJI B R Gavai-led bench said a steering committee headed by the chief minister would be constituted for each tiger reserve within two months for implementation of the directions of the expert committee set up on SC’s directions by the Union ministry of environment forest and climate change.The tourism in tiger reserves, which often turned into noisy late-night parties, would now have to conform to the guidelines set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The expert committee recommended designating tiger reserves and corresponding eco-sensitive areas as ‘silence zones’ and phasing out night safaris and banning the stay of tourists in core areas at night. On the presence of religious sites within tiger reserves, the bench said the influx of devotees must be regulated to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. Importantly, the bench focused on improving the service condition of forest guards and personnel.Asking the ministry of environment and forest and central empowered committee to set up a special cell to give a report within a year on staffing pattern and cadre requirement in all tiger reserves, the bench said states will, based on the report, fill the posts. SC barred states from outsourcing of core patrolling roles and scientific posts and other personnel integral to management of tiger reserves.The forest staff should be permitted to retain their accommodation at a place of their choice while they are posted in remote areas. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov Hold Key Talks in Moscow Ahead of Putin’s India Visit ‘In 3 Weeks’India Doubles Down On Russian Oil Imports Despite U.S. Sanctions HeatBangladesh Seeks Hasina’s Return As India Notes ICT Tribunal Verdict, Calls For Peace And Stability’This Generation Can Bring Viksit Bharat Before 2047’: Army Chief Dwivedi’s Message To Gen ZHasina Verdict Sparks Outrage as Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Evidence and Awami League Cries Black DayPak Army Chief Asim Munir Vows ‘Strong Response’, Army Chief Dwivedi Warns Op Sindoor Was A TrailerPM Modi Condoles Families as 45 Indians Feared Dead in Saudi Bus CrashOusted Bangladesh PM Hasina Calls ICT’s Death Sentence ‘Rigged’, Says It Denied Fair Trial RightsFrench Consulate Staffer Molested In Bandra As Mumbai Police Launch Rapid Hunt To Track The SuspectAfter 5th August 2019…’ Army Chief Counters Mehbooba’s Charge Against Centre Over J&K Situation123PhotostoriesKarisma Kapoor’s grace, talent and magnetic screen presence continue to define timeless Bollywood beauty for every generationFrom ‘Dil Tu Hi Bata’ to ‘Mayabini’: Zubeen Garg’s first birth anniversary:his best songsBirthday special: Nayanthara’s 5 best performances that seal her name as the ‘Lady Superstar’Zubeen Garg birth anniversary special: Lesser-known facts about the legendNayanthara birthday special: Social media moments with Vignesh Shivan and the twinsLemon, olive oil and more: 7 natural remedies to help relieve constipationZubeen Garg’s birth anniversary special: Films that define his cinematic journeyWhat happens when you eat garlic soaked in matha (buttermilk)This simple at-home test can reveal how fast your digestive system worksWorld’s 5 underrated travel destinations to bookmark, and why123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingQTCinderellaTravis KelceKlay ThompsonAuston Matthews Net WorthDana WhiteTrey Benson InjuryLaMelo BallGiannis AntetokounmpoZion WilliamsonWho is Ella Hakkinen
NEW DELHI: Aiming to strengthen the existing regime for tiger protection, the Supreme Court on Monday issued a slew of directions to the states including giving a six-month deadline to demarcate and notify core and buffer areas of tiger reserves and put in place within three months comprehensive tiger conservation plans (TCPs).In one of his last of important judgments prior to retirement on Nov 23 relating to protection of environment, flora and fauna, CJI B R Gavai-led bench said a steering committee headed by the chief minister would be constituted for each tiger reserve within two months for implementation of the directions of the expert committee set up on SC’s directions by the Union ministry of environment forest and climate change.The tourism in tiger reserves, which often turned into noisy late-night parties, would now have to conform to the guidelines set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The expert committee recommended designating tiger reserves and corresponding eco-sensitive areas as ‘silence zones’ and phasing out night safaris and banning the stay of tourists in core areas at night. On the presence of religious sites within tiger reserves, the bench said the influx of devotees must be regulated to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. Importantly, the bench focused on improving the service condition of forest guards and personnel.Asking the ministry of environment and forest and central empowered committee to set up a special cell to give a report within a year on staffing pattern and cadre requirement in all tiger reserves, the bench said states will, based on the report, fill the posts. SC barred states from outsourcing of core patrolling roles and scientific posts and other personnel integral to management of tiger reserves.The forest staff should be permitted to retain their accommodation at a place of their choice while they are posted in remote areas.