India is considered the home of more than half of the world's tiger population. Most of them live in reserves, as they are on the verge of extinction. And in order to preserve rare animals, the Indian authorities decided to go to extreme measures.
The country's Supreme Court has banned tours for tourists in reserves with tigers. Violators of this regulation face a large fine. In particular, the restriction applies to five main reserves - Anshi-Dandeli, Bandipur, Biligiriranga Swami Temple, Bhadra and Nagarahol. Such measures, according to the Indian government, will help protect these predators from extinction. The decision of the court was preceded by a lawsuit by wildlife activists. They demanded the removal of commercial activities outside the reserves where tigers live in order to limit communication between people and animals.
Environmentalists are sounding the alarm - the number of tigers is decreasing every year. For example, at the beginning of the twentieth century in India there were 100,000 individuals, and in 2011 their number remained only about 1,700. The main reasons for such a rapid decline in the population are deforestation and poaching. In this regard, some Indian states have tightened penalties for illegal shooting of wild animals. Forest guards are allowed to shoot to kill people caught poaching.
Meanwhile, millions of tourists flock to India every year to look at one of the country's national treasures - the tigers. And travel agencies are concerned about the ban on tourists visiting tiger reserves. They believe that this could reduce tourism revenues, some of which go to support environmental activities. Tour operators believe that tigers will be safer in reserves where excursions are held. Since their absence in tiger habitats will help poachers and traders of rare species of animals develop their activities.
However, according to the Indian authorities, the court order banning tiger visits to reserves is a temporary measure. On August 22, the next hearing in the Supreme Court of India will take place, at which it is possible that a final decision will be taken.
