NEW DELHI (2025-11-18) – In a move to bolster tiger protection efforts across India, the Supreme Court (SC) has directed all state governments to demarcate and notify the core and buffer zones of tiger reserves within six months. The ruling, delivered on Monday, aims to strengthen the existing framework for tiger conservation and address ecological concerns within these critical habitats.
The SC bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, issued a series of directives including the establishment of a steering committee headed by the Chief Minister of each state. This committee, to be formed within two months, will oversee the implementation of the expert committee's directions, which were previously set up by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change based on the SC's guidance.
In addition to the demarcation of core and buffer zones, the court has mandated the creation of comprehensive tiger conservation plans (TCPs) within three months. These plans are expected to outline strategies for habitat management, corridor protection, and the mitigation of disturbances.
The Supreme Court's order also addresses the issue of tourism within tiger reserves. Concerns over noisy late-night parties and other disruptions have led the court to stipulate that tourism activities must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The expert committee has recommended designating tiger reserves and eco-sensitive areas as "silence zones," phasing out night safaris, and banning overnight stays for tourists in core areas. Furthermore, the court has explicitly banned tiger safaris in core or critical tiger habitat areas, allowing them only on non-forest or degraded forest land in buffer zones, provided they are not part of a tiger corridor. Any safaris permitted in buffer zones must adhere to strict regulations and house only rescued or conflict tigers from the same landscape.
The influx of devotees to religious sites within tiger reserves has also come under scrutiny. The court has emphasized that the number of visitors must be regulated to minimize disturbances to wildlife.
Recognizing the importance of frontline forest staff, the Supreme Court has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with the Central Empowered Committee, to establish a special cell. This cell will be responsible for submitting a report within a year on the staffing patterns and cadre requirements in all tiger reserves, and states will be required to fill the posts based on the report. The court has also barred states from outsourcing core patrolling roles and scientific posts, ensuring that essential personnel for tiger reserve management are directly employed. Additionally, forest staff should be allowed to retain their accommodations while posted in remote areas.
The SC has also addressed ecological damage within tiger reserves, specifically directing the Uttarakhand government to undertake comprehensive restoration measures in the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. This includes the demolition of unauthorized constructions and remediation of damage caused by illegal tree felling and construction activities. The state government, in consultation with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), must submit a restoration plan within two months. The court has ordered a complete ban on mining activities within 1 km of a tiger habitat or buffer area, or the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), whichever is larger.
The directives are applicable to all tiger reserves across India, with states having the liberty to make minor modifications in consultation with the Wildlife Institute of India and the NTCA. A compliance affidavit must be filed within one year.
