Study twist to debate on ban on tourism in core of tiger reserves

NEW DELHI: Data from a published research shows that less than 0.001% people living in vicinity of tiger reserves are employed in resort and tourism business, and even those who are engaged have low-paying jobs like gardening and housekeeping.

The study has been quoted by one of the petitioners in the ongoing case — on imposing a ban on tourism in the core of tiger reserves — in the Supreme Court.

The findings are the results of a study published by Krithi K Karanth of the Centre for Wildlife Studies, India, and Ruth DeFries of Columbia University, USA.

The study of nature-based tourism in India was carried out on resorts and homestays within 25km of 10 selected national parks and sanctuaries. It has found that tourist facilities provided little direct incomes to people living around the parks and is ‘rarely directed towards improving conservation efforts or supporting local people.’

It noted that the facilities relied on local resources, particularly fuel wood and water. Some even ran swimming pools and water fountains — especially in Ranthmbore, Kanha and Pench tiger reserves — even though they are located in areas that are perennially plagued by acute water shortage.

“Tourism is changing land use around many of these protected areas,” said the study, while warning that land prices around some of these wildlife patches have risen sharply, commercial facilities are purchasing land from locals, who are moving away from the reserves and some tourism operations are located in ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife corridors.

The tourism lobby has pleaded that their businesses provide ancillary employment to many, but others have contended that power is vested in the hands of those with deep pockets and good connections.