Bombay High Court on Tourists Negotiating Corners, Tigress and Cubs in Sanctuary: Unruly, Disturbing

The Bombay High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the actions of tourists and safari operators involved in the incident that disrupted the movement of a tigress and her five cubs in the Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. Taking a suo moto view of the event that took place on December 31, 2024, the bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi stressed the need to take measures beyond mere punitive action to prevent such incidents.

The court’s intervention came after viral videos were shared on social media that showed a disturbing scenario: safari vehicles crowding around the tigress, identified as F-2, and her cubs on both sides of the road in the buffer zone, putting the animals in a state of distress.

The tigress, trapped and unable to retreat, showed aggression in response to the overwhelming intrusion. The bench described the situation as “shocking and disturbing”, criticizing the behavior of gypsy drivers, guides and tourists as not only unruly but also harmful to wildlife.

The Forest Department responded by suspending the drivers and guides involved for three months and imposing fines of Rs 25,000.

Additionally, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and the Field Director are considering introducing restrictions on movement in areas frequented by the tigress and her cubs.

However, the Court noted that these actions, while commendable, were insufficient to address the root of the problem.

“We appreciate the immediate action taken not only by the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) but also by the Field Director to initiate an investigation and punish the perpetrators of the offenses, i.e. gypsy drivers and guides. However, this is not something more that needs to be done after the Forest Department ends,” the bench observed.

The adjudicating panel pointed to a critical failure of intelligence on the part of the Forest District, which learned about the incident only from social media and press reports. She stressed the importance of proactive monitoring and preventive measures to protect wildlife from human encroachment.

In its statement, the government informed the court about the formation of a committee headed by deputy director of Bor Tiger Project Wardha.

The commission is tasked with developing guidelines for the behavior of safari operators, guides and tourists in wilderness areas. The report is expected to be submitted this week.

Despite these steps, the court insisted on taking stronger measures. He urged the Forest Department to adopt a comprehensive approach to protect wildlife and prevent recurrence of such episodes. Further hearing of the suo moto petition will be held on January 20, 2025.