Supreme Court Considers Balancing Rights Over Jim Corbett National Park Bus Operations

The Supreme Court is examining pleas against Jim Corbett National Park's decision to allow private buses within its core tiger reserve area. The court emphasized balancing village access rights while adhering to conservation laws. The case involves conflicting reports on the precise road segments affected and potential breaches of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The Supreme Court has underscored the necessity of balancing rights during a plea session against Jim Corbett National Park's decision to permit private buses to operate within the core section of the tiger reserve in Uttarakhand.

The court emphasized that if there are villages, they need access as well. Previously, in February 2021, the apex court had halted the implementation of a December 2020 office letter that allowed buses to ply within the core area.

The case was heard by Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, with the apex court requesting more specific instructions regarding whether the affected road lies within the core or buffer zones. The state's counsel indicated that only 8 km of the 53 km road are within the core area, and the rest is not. Meanwhile, the petitioner argued that as per a prior affidavit, 26 km are in the core zone, highlighting a discrepancy. The petitioner has alleged that the private bus operation was permitted for wrongful gain without proper approvals, contradicting Section 38 (O) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

(With inputs from agencies.)