New Delhi:
In an apparent U-turn on tiger tourism issue, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it wants to review its policy of banning tourism in core areas of tiger reserves in the country because of pressure from the state governments.
In July, based on an existing policy of the Centre, the top court had banned tourism in core areas of all tiger reserves in the country. The ban was imposed after states failed to comply with the Centre's notification of phasing out tourism in core areas of tiger reserves.
In an affidavit filed in the court today, the Centre said "State governments have expressed concern that many local people depend on tourism for their livelihood and hence the stoppage of tourism in core areas of tiger reserves would result in loss of such income leading to discontent which may be a threat to wildlife and forests."
The Centre also said that the ban on tourism would deprive citizens of an opportunity to appreciate India's national heritage.
The Centre now wants to review its policy. This would need wider consultations with state governments and with local and indigenous communities, it has added.
Several state governments and some NGOs have also filed applications seeking the lifting of the ban.
The Supreme Court will take up the case tomorrow.