The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), mandated by the Supreme Court, has highlighted severe damage to wildlife in Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve, primarily due to unchecked tourism and traffic. The committee has recommended a blanket ban on private vehicles visiting the Pandupol Hanuman temple, located in the reserve's core area.
In its report dated 22 July, the CEC revealed that excessive vehicular traffic is negatively impacting tiger breeding, with tigers avoiding the area south of the three roads leading to the temple. The committee also suggested deploying a special tiger force in the reserve and addressing issues such as staff shortages, uncontrolled cattle grazing, and village relocation.
The CEC proposed alternative solutions, including a ropeway, elevated road, motorable twin tunnel, or electric tramway, to balance wildlife conservation with pilgrim access. Heavy traffic, with around 630 private vehicles visiting the temple on certain days and up to 1,800 during the annual mela in August and September, is creating significant problems for wildlife.
The Supreme Court had previously set up a high-level panel to find a lasting solution for managing pilgrim traffic, but its recommendations for regulating vehicle entry and starting electric shuttle buses were deemed insufficient. Consequently, the court directed the CEC and panel to collaborate on a comprehensive report.
The CEC noted that the reserve's current traffic exceeds its carrying capacity. It observed that tigers have largely avoided the areas near the roads used by pilgrims, impacting their breeding patterns. Only two instances of cub births near these roads were recorded in the past decade.
The report also highlighted issues such as random vehicle parking, pollution from temple offerings, and wastewater discharge contaminating water sources crucial for wildlife. Additionally, the construction of hotels and resorts in the reserve's buffer zone violates wildlife clearance rules.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve, situated in the Aravalli mountain range, spans Alwar and Jaipur districts. It is home to over 420 plant species and serves as a vital water source for the region. The reserve faces considerable pressure from human activities but remains a crucial habitat for various endangered species, including the panther, chowsingha, and rusty-spotted cat.
Follow us
