CEC Member Conducts Ground Review of Supreme Court Directives at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
In a significant development for wildlife conservation, a member of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) conducted a thorough review of compliance with Supreme Court orders concerning tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks during a detailed visit to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Thursday. The CEC, which was constituted by the Supreme Court on May 9, 2002, to monitor the implementation of its directives, focused on critical issues affecting the reserve's ecological integrity.
Comprehensive Assessment of Key Conservation Measures
The review encompassed multiple facets of conservation enforcement, including the ban imposed by the apex court in November last year on traffic between dusk and dawn on roads passing through core forest areas and critical tiger habitats. This measure aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and disturbance during sensitive nocturnal hours. Additionally, the CEC examined the status of newly constructed resorts within the eco-sensitive zone of PTR and assessed the validity of chain-link fencing installed at the interface between the reserve and adjoining agricultural fields.
CEC member Sunil Limay, former principal chief conservator of forests of Maharashtra, arrived in Pilibhit and engaged in extensive discussions with district magistrate Gyanendra Singh and PTR authorities, including field director PP Singh and divisional forest officer Manish Singh. These deliberations aimed to gather on-ground insights and administrative perspectives on the implementation challenges.
Controversial Chain-Link Fencing Under Scrutiny
The issue of chain-link fencing at the periphery of Pilibhit and Dudhwa tiger reserves was brought before the CEC by Supreme Court lawyer Gaurav Bansal on July 3 last year. In his petition, Bansal alleged that the fencing project in these two reserves was undertaken without necessary clearances from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and without conducting an environmental impact assessment or wildlife corridor study.
Key concerns raised include:
- The fencing work was carried out without ecological appraisal or wildlife carrying capacity studies.
- There were no provisions for wildlife crossings and underpasses, which could severely restrict the natural movement of animals.
- This lack of planning potentially threatens genetic flow and habitat connectivity for tigers and other wildlife species.
Expert Consultations and Community Concerns
Limay informed that he reviewed the ground situation regarding the chain-link fencing, wildlife corridors, and concerns raised by local communities. "Before submitting my report to the CEC, I will discuss the positive and negative aspects of chain-link fencing with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India," he stated, emphasizing a balanced approach to conservation measures.
Regarding public protests over the order banning night traffic on forest roads, Limay indicated that suggestions would be taken from the district administration and forest authorities to recommend possible relaxations to the Supreme Court. He proposed installing speed radar sensors on roads passing through core forest stretches to help enforce the 30 kmph speed limit and penalize violators effectively.
Illegal Constructions Within Restricted Zones
Limay clarified that no brick construction with a lintel is permitted within 1 km of the periphery of the tiger reserve. "We have sought a detailed report from the district magistrate on resorts and hotels constructed within the restricted area for submission to the Supreme Court," he added. Officials revealed that more than 50 resorts, hotels, and other tourist facilities have been built within the restricted zone around Pilibhit Tiger Reserve without permission from forest authorities, despite departmental notices directing developers to halt construction.
This comprehensive review by the CEC member highlights ongoing challenges in balancing conservation mandates with local development pressures, setting the stage for potential judicial interventions to safeguard India's critical tiger habitats.
