Context:
The Supreme Court has slammed the political-bureaucrat nexus over illegal construction and felling of trees at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, saying public trust had been thrown into the “waste bin”.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Supreme Court’s Intervention in Alleged Violations at Corbett National Park
- Jim Corbett National Park: Biodiversity and Key Facts
Supreme Court’s Intervention in Alleged Violations at Corbett National Park
Background:
- In 2023, concerns arose regarding alleged illegal constructions and environmental violations within Uttarakhand’s Corbett National Park.
- Petitions were filed, highlighting the encroachment into core wildlife habitats and violations of environmental norms.
Petitioners’ Allegations:
- Environmental Norms Violation:
- Alleged creation of illegal buildings and waterbodies.
- Emphasis on the breach of environmental norms.
- Wildlife Habitat Encroachment:
- Highlighted encroachment into core wildlife habitats within the national park.
- Unauthorised Constructions:
- Presentation of evidence showcasing unauthorised constructions, including concrete and iron enclosures for a ‘safari’ experience.
- Tree Cutting:
- Alleged felling of over 6,000 trees under the pretext of safari development.
Supreme Court’s Response:
- Questioning Safari Facilities:
- Raised concerns about the necessity of creating such facilities in natural forest environments, particularly in areas designated for the protection of endangered species like tigers.
- Committee Formation:
- Directed the Government to constitute a committee.
- Mandate: Recommend whether tiger safaris should be permitted in buffer or fringe areas.
- Task: Develop guidelines for establishing such safaris if permitted.
- Strict View on Violations:
- Took a stern view of illegal constructions and extensive tree cutting within Corbett National Park.
Jim Corbett National Park: Biodiversity and Key Facts
Location:
- Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India.
Flora:
- Diverse vegetation includes Sal, Semal, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, and various other species.
- Sal, Khair, and Sissoo are prominently visible in the park.
Fauna:
- Rich wildlife featuring Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, and more.
- Abundance of reptiles, including Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, and Monitor Lizard.
Rivers:
- Eastern periphery fed by the Kosi River.
- The Ramganga River (West) and its tributaries form a significant hydrological resource.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1935, making it India’s oldest national park.
- Initially named Hailey National Park, renamed Corbett National Park in 1956 to honor Jim Corbett.
- Boasts the highest tiger population in India.
Core and Buffer Areas in Tiger Reserves:
- Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act (2006):
- Mandates a Tiger Reserve to have a core habitat (National Park or Sanctuary) and a buffer zone.
- Core Areas:
- Possess legal status akin to a National Park or Sanctuary.
- Buffer Areas:
- Mix of forest and non-forest land, managed for multiple uses.
- Acts as a protective barrier against poaching pressure on wildlife populations.
-Source: The Hindu
