SC forms a committee to resolve crowding at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and safeguard the temple and tiger ecosystem balance.

SUPREME COURT CONTROLS CROWDING AT RANTHAMBORE TIGER RESERVE

Case Overview 

Case Name:  In Re: T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 202/199


A bench comprising CJI BR Gavai, Justice AG Masih, and Justice AS Chandurkar constituted a three-member committee to tackle overcrowding and vehicular congestion at the Trinetra Ganesha Temple inside the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve . The Court also directed the Rajasthan government to ban illegal mining in the core tiger habitat (CTH) . The case involves safeguarding wildlife and historic structures within the reserve balancing devotees’ interests and environmental protection.

Key Aspects 

The key aspects relating to the case are as under –

• Overcrowding and traffic congestion at Trinetra Ganesha Temple inside Ranthambore Tiger Reserve .
  

• Illegal mining activities affecting approx. 150 hectares within the CTH near Uliyana village .
  

• Unauthorized commercial constructions and encroachments, including temple expansions inside the Reserve .
  

• Delay in Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification leading to unregulated development in the core area .
  

• Conservation concerns for historic structures like Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal and Jain Temple.

Legal Insights :

The legal insights relating to the case are as under-

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Protection of Critical Tiger Habitat and core zones .
  

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 – Notification and enforcement of Eco-Sensitive Zones .
  

• Forest Conservation Act, 1980 – Regulation of mining and construction activities in forest areas .
  

• Supreme Court’s powers under Article 142 for environmental protection and conservation .
  

• Balancing religious freedom under Article 25 with environmental safeguards .

Court’s Verdict 

The Supreme Court constituted a committee including the Collector of Sawai Madhopur, Field Director of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and a Central Empowered Committee member to balance environmental conservation and devotee interests . The Court ordered an immediate ban on illegal mining in the core zone and mandated the Rajasthan government to file a compliance affidavit within six weeks . The Court emphasized protecting the fragile ecosystem while respecting religious sentiments and historic heritage.

SUPREME COURT CONTROLS CROWDING AT RANTHAMBORE TIGER RESERVE

Source – Supreme Court of India 

Read also – Article 142 of Constitution