Jim Corbett National Park | 30 Nov 2024
The Supreme Court (SC) of India stressed balancing wildlife conservation with local community needs, while addressing the issue of private buses operating through the core and buffer zones of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.
- The SC was hearing a petition challenging the Jim Corbett National Park's 2020 decision allowing private buses within the core area, which had been stayed since 2021.
- Section 38(O) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 states that tiger reserves cannot be diverted for ecologically unsustainable uses.
- If such diversion is necessary, the state of Uttarakhand must obtain approval from the National Board for Wildlife on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
- The diversion of protected areas must adhere to strict guidelines to safeguard ecosystems from long-term harm.
- Section 38(O) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 states that tiger reserves cannot be diverted for ecologically unsustainable uses.
- Jim Corbett National Park, located in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
- It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the Bengal tiger, it is the oldest national park in India and the first area under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973.
- The core zone is a strictly protected area for natural resources, while the buffer zone surrounds it, allowing for sustainable nature conservation alongside compatible human activities.