In order to give “inviolate space” to tigers for their undisturbed breeding, the Supreme Court on Tuesday banned all forms of tourism in national tiger reserves with immediate effect, warning states it would take strict action, including imposing fines, if this order was not implemented in letter and spirit.

A bench of Justices Swatanter Kumar and F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla passed an interim ban order on a note placed on record by amicus curiae Raj Panjwani highlighting how the “inviolate space” of 800-1,200 sq km recommended by the Wildlife Institute of India and National Board of Wildlife for peaceful breeding by a group of 20 tigress and survival of young cubs was disturbed due to tourism in tiger reserves.

Stepping in to conserve the big cat, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that there shall be no tourism activity in any of the core zones of tiger reserves across the country.

A bench of justices Swatanter Kumar and Ibrahim Kalifulla also warned of contempt proceedings and imposition of exemplary costs on states, which failed to notify the buffer zones in their respective tiger reserves.

Hailing the Supreme Court order of disallowing tourism activity in core areas of tiger reserves, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan on Tuesday said she would ask the state governments to strictly follow the directives of the apex court.

"We welcome the Supreme Court order banning tourism in core areas of tiger reserves. We are very strict about banning tourism in core zones of tiger reserves. I will personally write to all Chief Ministers asking them to strictly follow the Apex Court directive," Natarajan said.

New Delhi: All tourist operations within 5km of all 600-plus tiger reserves, national parks, sanctuaries and wildlife corridors in the country will have to fork out a minimum of 10% of their turnov

LUCKNOW: "We are determined to ensure that the Lion Safari is established in Etawah and will complete all the requirements of the ministries concerned so that the project faces no roadblocks," said

Heritage tag will attract more visitors

Ecotourism activities in the World Heritage Sites of the Western Ghats may be streamlined after assessing the carrying capacity of the individual sites. While inscribing the 39 serial sites of the Ghats, the World Heritage Committee has asked India to initiate “proactive responsible tourism management in anticipation of increased future visitation, and to ensure that visitation remains within the capacity of the property.”

KOLKATA, 28 JUNE: The state forest department minister Hiten Barman announced the doubling of compensation to the next of kin of anyone dying in man-animal conflict at the state Assembly today.

Ahmedabad: A lioness staring into the lens with a stately gaze.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has initiated major eco-tourism projects at Chhatbir Zoological Park in Ajitgarh district and two others projects in Ludhiana district.