Supreme Court Constitutes Committee To Control Crowding At Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Balance Interests Of Trinetra Temple Devotees

The Supreme Court on May 30 constituted a three-member committee to propose solutions to the issues of crowded gatherings and vehicular traffic within the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. 

The Court also directed the State of Rajasthan to immediately ban any illegal mining activities occurring within the core area of the Reserve. 

The bench of CJI BR Gavai , Justices AG Masih and AS Chandurkar was hearing an application seeking a slew of directions to improve the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)/core zone of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. 

The issues highlighted by the applicant were : (1) crowded gatherings at Trinetra Temple located inside the Reserve; (2) illegal mining at CTH; (3) illegal construction and commercial activities at CTH; (4) delayed notification of Eco-Sensitive Zones within the Tiger Reserve; (5) conservation of historic structures within the reserve. 

Considering the issues involved, the Court constituted a three member committee comprising : 

 (I) The Collector, Sawai Madhopur

(II) The Field Director, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve; and

(III) A member of the CEC

The Court clarified that the function of the committee would be to "take into consideration the interest of the devotees of the Trinetra Ganesha temple and give suggestions which would balance the interest of the Tiger Reserve as well as the devotees." 

The committee should also ensure a fair hearing to representatives of various stakeholders including the representatives of the Trust, which manages the Trinetra Ganesha Temple.

The State Government was also directed to ban mining in the CTH regions. The direction reads : 

"In order to protect the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, we also deem it appropriate to direct the State of Rajasthan to take steps to ban mining in the core area of the Tiger Reserve. Needless to clarify that the ban on mining in the core area of Tiger Reserve shall scrupulously be followed without permitting any interference from any of the stakeholders. The State of Rajasthan shall, accordingly, file an affidavit within a period of 6 weeks from today stating as to what steps it has taken for prohibiting mining in the core area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve."

Court's Observations On The 5 Main Issues Relating To The Tiger Reserve: 

(1) Religious gathering in Trinetra Ganesha Temple : 

The temple located inside the historic fort of Ranthanbore Fort is at 5 Kms within the National Park. The Court noted that "on Wednesdays alone, the number of pilgrims exceeds 10,000, on Sundays the figure touches nearly 6,000 and on regular weekdays the footfall hovers around 2,500 visitors per day. It is further stated that the road leading from Ganesh Dham to Jogi Mahal Gate—a 6 km stretch—serves as the primary approach route to the Temple. This stretch, which lies entirely within the core zone of the Tiger Reserve, witnesses an alarming number of private vehicles, including cars, taxis, motorcycles, and even pedestrians." 

"On certain days, upwards of 7,500 vehicles are illegally parked along the stretch, causing massive congestion and exposing high-density tiger zones to intrusive human presence." 

The Court noted that such a transportation influx was causing direct and indirect harm to the fragile ecosystem.  It noted that "Pilgrims cook food using firewood extracted illegally from the Tiger Reserve, dispose of plastic waste in large quantities, and cause severe anthropogenic disturbances to the wildlife, particularly tigers and other keystone species." 

(2) Illegal Mining within CTH, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve : 

The applicant submitted that approx. 150 ha of land situated adjacent to Uliyana village within the CTH of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is affected by extensive illegal mining activities. The mining operations in Uliyana involve usage of heavy machinery and repeated movement of dumpers and tractor trolleys. 

(3) Illegal Commercial Constructions & Encroachments : 

The Court noted that "Despite prohibition by the State of Rajasthan, illegal constructions have continued unabated. It is further stated that the Kachida Mataji Temple located inside the Tiger Reserve, has been continuously and unlawfully expanding over the years. The Pilgrims visiting the temple regularly throw plastic waste inside the forest area". 

(4) Delay in notification of ESZ around Ranthambore Tiger Reserve : 

The applicant submitted that the state of Rajasthan has not taken any steps for the protection and conservation of CTH of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Due to non-declaration of ESZ of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve – hotels, motels, farm houses, residential colonies, commercial spaces – are growing inside the CTH of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. 

(5) Conservation of historic structures within the Reserve : 

The applicant also pointed out that "there are various historic structures situated in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve like Jogi Mahal, Battees Khamba, Bada Mahal, Ranthambhore Fort, Jain Temple, etc. It is submitted that the said historic structures are not being properly maintained. It is therefore submitted that necessary directions are required to be issued in this regard." 

Sr Adv K Parameshwar appeared as the Amicus, AAG Shiv Mangal Sharma appeared for State of Rajasthan. 

Case details : IA in IN RE : T.N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 202/199

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