AHMEDABAD: In its guidelines "for taking non-forestry activities in wildlife habitats", the Union ministry of environment and forests has stated that each project - which will be cleared by the National Board of Wildlife - will have to secure the final approval from the apex court.

The guidelines, which were issued earlier this week, have made it clear that according to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, no construction of commercial tourist lodges, hotels, zoos, and safari parks can be undertaken inside a national park except with the prior approval of the standing committee of National Board of Wildlife. In effect, the guidelines add another step to the approval process.