Entry of roadways buses and private vehicles in Sariska Tiger Reserve will be banned for March 31, 2025. The government will also ban cooking at the Pandupole temple located in the Tiger Reserve, which is home to 43 tigers.
The Supreme Court has given its nod on the report submitted by Central Empowered Committee set up for ensuring conservation to tigers and their habitats in Sariska.
The CEC has recommended ban on the entry of any vehicle in the prohibited Tiger Reserve from March 31, 2025.
The committee had submitted its report on July 22, 2024. The CEC in its report admitted that a large number of devotees visit Pandupol temple located 22 kms inside the Reserve forest. They come to the temple in private vehicles.
The movement of vehicles has adverse impact on the habitat management of the big cat.
The CEC has recommended starting electrical shuttle bus service and other facilities like elevated road, tram way, tunnel, ropeway and skyway to each the temple instead of private vehicles.
The committee recommended operation of electrical buses during annual fest in Sariska. Apart from that, the committee has also recommended banning preparation of prasad and food items inside the temple premises. Food items should be brought from outside. It's has also suggested the temple trust for better waste management.
Special Tiger Protection Force to be deployed in Sariska
The CEC has also recommended deployment of Special Tiger Protection Force by December 31, 2025. This force will be responsible for thwarting any man-tiger struggle and poaching of tigers, who wander in adjoining villages.
The CEC has also recommended banning illegal construction in the buffer zone. Apart from that hotels, restaurants and resorts, who are already in the buffer zone, must take approval from NBWL and NTCA.
Rajasthan govt largely in sync with recommendations
The government has shown its concurrence with the recommendations of CEC. The additional advocate general of Rajasthan government Shiv Mangal Sharma said that the state government is largely in sync with recommendations of CEC. However, the deadline set by CEC is too early.
He also objected to construction of elevated roads and skyway.
However, he assured the apex court that the government will start service of electrical buses at the earliest.
He also said that the government will take necessary steps to deal with shortage of officials in field after discussion with the chief secretary.
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