Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India is home to approximately 75% of the world’s tiger population, with its tiger reserves playing a crucial role in their conservation. However, the issue of tourism within the core areas of these reserves has become increasingly contentious. While tourism generates revenue and supports local economies, it also poses threats to the delicate ecosystem and the tigers themselves. The debate intensified following a Supreme Court order in April 2022, which partially restricted tourism in core areas of tiger reserves, aiming to prioritize conservation. This order stemmed from petitions highlighting the negative impacts of unregulated tourism, necessitating a critical examination of the various facets of this complex issue.
The Core Area Debate: Conflicting Interests
Tiger reserves are categorized into core and buffer zones. Core areas are designated for strict conservation, with minimal human disturbance. Tourism, traditionally allowed in these areas, generates significant revenue, provides employment to local communities, and raises awareness about conservation. However, this comes at a cost.
- Ecological Impacts: Increased vehicular traffic, noise pollution, and human presence disrupt tiger behavior, breeding patterns, and prey-predator dynamics. Habitat fragmentation and increased risk of disease transmission are also concerns.
- Socio-Economic Benefits: Tourism supports local economies through employment in guiding, hospitality, transportation, and handicraft industries. Revenue generated can be reinvested in conservation efforts and community development.
- Conflicting Objectives: The fundamental conflict lies between the primary objective of tiger conservation and the economic benefits derived from tourism. Balancing these competing interests is a significant challenge.
Recent Judicial Pronouncements & Their Impact
The 2022 Supreme Court order in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India significantly altered the tourism landscape in tiger reserves. The court directed states to ensure that:
- Tourism in core areas is regulated and limited to a carrying capacity determined by a committee.
- No permanent structures are permitted in core areas.
- Buffer zones are developed to absorb tourism pressure and provide alternative livelihood options for local communities.
This order was a response to concerns raised about unregulated tourism in reserves like Jim Corbett and Ranthambore, where excessive vehicle density and disturbance were impacting tiger populations. However, the implementation of the order has been uneven across states, with some facing challenges in defining carrying capacity and enforcing restrictions.
Arguments For and Against Tourism in Core Areas
| Arguments For Tourism | Arguments Against Tourism | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue generation for conservation | Disruption of tiger behavior and breeding | Employment opportunities for local communities | Habitat fragmentation and degradation | Increased awareness about conservation | Increased risk of disease transmission | Economic benefits for buffer zone communities | Strain on limited resources (water, etc.) |
Sustainable Tourism Alternatives
To mitigate the negative impacts of tourism while retaining its benefits, several sustainable alternatives can be explored:
- Focus on Buffer Zone Tourism: Developing eco-tourism facilities and activities in buffer zones can divert tourism pressure from core areas and provide economic opportunities for local communities.
- Limited & Regulated Core Zone Tourism: Implementing strict carrying capacity limits, restricting vehicle access, and promoting responsible tourism practices (e.g., silent electric vehicles, trained guides) can minimize disturbance.
- Community-Based Tourism: Empowering local communities to manage and benefit from tourism can foster a sense of ownership and promote conservation.
- Technological Solutions: Utilizing technologies like camera traps, drones, and real-time monitoring systems to track tiger movements and manage tourism effectively.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines (2012) emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to tourism management, integrating conservation with socio-economic considerations.
Conclusion
The issue of tourism in tiger reserve core areas is a complex balancing act between conservation imperatives and socio-economic realities. While the 2022 Supreme Court order was a step in the right direction, its effective implementation requires a collaborative effort between the judiciary, government, conservationists, and local communities. A shift towards sustainable tourism models, prioritizing buffer zone development and responsible core zone management, is crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of India’s tiger population and the well-being of the communities that coexist with them. Continued monitoring, adaptive management, and stakeholder engagement are essential for navigating this ongoing challenge.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.