Bombay High Court Takes Action After Tourists Harass Tigress and Cubs in Nagpur Sanctuary

Nagpur, 7th January 2025: The Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance on Monday of an incident where tourists surrounded a tigress and her five cubs in the Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary near Gothangaon Gate. The court has ordered the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to submit a detailed affidavit by Wednesday, outlining the actions taken and the preventive measures to be implemented.

The incident, which occurred on December 31, was captured in viral videos showing safari vehicles crowding around the tigress, identified as F-2, and her cubs in the sanctuary’s buffer zone. The vehicles blocked the road from both sides as tourists tried to capture photos and videos. The tigress, trapped and agitated, displayed signs of aggression as she attempted to retreat from the crowd.

Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the serious risks posed to both the animals and the tourists involved.

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi, reprimanded forest officials for failing to monitor violations inside the sanctuary. “Relying solely on social media to detect such incidents is not acceptable. A more effective system for monitoring and enforcement of wildlife protection laws is necessary,” the court emphasized.

The sanctuary’s field director informed the court that action had been taken against some of the guides and drivers involved in the incident. Forest officials subsequently filed an FIR under the Wildlife Protection Act, which stipulates penalties of up to three years in jail or fines up to ₹25,000 for violations. The court indicated that stricter enforcement and higher penalties may be imposed to serve as deterrents against similar future offenses.

“The guides and drivers involved in the incident failed to adhere to established protocols,” said a forest official. “These guidelines are designed to ensure that a safe distance is maintained and that wildlife is not disturbed.”