Jharkhand to set up its first tiger safari

The Jharkhand government plans to establish the state’s first tiger safari in the fringe area of the Barwadih Western Forest Range in Latehar district, which falls under the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR).

Purpose and Objectives:

• Boost tourism in Jharkhand
• Serve as a wildlife conservation and education center
• Offer experiential learning and nature-based recreation
• Provide controlled tiger sightings in naturalistic enclosures

Legal and Regulatory Context:

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

• No commercial constructions like safari parks allowed within sanctuaries without prior approval from the National Board for Wildlife

NTCA Guidelines (2012 & 2016):

• Tiger safaris allowed in buffer/fringe areas of tiger reserves experiencing high tourist pressure
• Purpose: Rescued, conflict-prone, or orphaned tigers
• No zoo-bred animals allowed
• Must provide naturalistic enclosures for animal welfare

Supreme Court Directive (March 2024):

• Safaris must be built outside core and buffer areas
• Must not disturb natural habitats or undermine conservation goals

Significance:

• First-of-its-kind initiative in Jharkhand
• Designed to balance tourism, education, and conservation
• Aligns with national guidelines and Supreme Court mandates
• Aims to offer controlled wildlife experiences without jeopardizing wild habitats

(Source: IE)