Supreme Court Directives for Corbett Tiger Reserve and Tiger Conservation

The Supreme Court of India has issued directives to restore the Corbett Tiger Reserve following illegal activities. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper 3, focusing on environment and biodiversity conservation. Last Updated: 2025-11-19

Key Facts About Supreme Court Directives for Corbett Tiger Reserve

• Supreme Court directs Uttarakhand to restore Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Illegal tree-felling and construction found.
• Restoration plan to be submitted within 2 months.
• Illegal structures to be demolished within 3 months.
• Compliance report due in 1 year.
• All states must notify core and buffer areas within 6 months.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) to be declared within 1 year.
• Tiger Conservation Plan to be prepared in 3 months.
• Ban on tiger safaris in core habitats.
• Human-wildlife conflict treated as a natural disaster.
• Stronger compensation systems for victims.
• Ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for victims.
• Corbett Tiger Reserve established in 1936.
• Known for the highest density of tigers.
• Located in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand.
• Home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants and leopards.

India's Commitment to Tiger Conservation

The Supreme Court's directives underscore India's commitment to wildlife conservation, aligning with national goals of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. With the Corbett Tiger Reserve being a critical habitat, these measures aim to enhance India's standing in global conservation efforts. India hosts approximately 70% of the world's tiger population, making these actions vital for international biodiversity rankings.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Project Tiger: Aims to ensure a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Provides statutory authority for tiger conservation.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Framework for the protection of wildlife in India.

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper 1: Environmental geography, biodiversity.

GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.

Prelims Angle: Questions on tiger reserves, conservation plans, and legal frameworks.

Mains Angle: Essays on biodiversity conservation, human-wildlife conflict, and sustainable development.

FAQ Section

• What is the Corbett Tiger Reserve? The Corbett Tiger Reserve, established in 1936, is located in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand and is known for having the highest density of tigers.
• Why is the Supreme Court's directive important? It mandates restoration and conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
• What are the key features of the directive? Key features include a restoration plan within 2 months, demolition of illegal structures in 3 months, and a compliance report within 1 year.