Vidarbha Economic Development urges CM to act on tiger tourism ban

NAGPUR: The Supreme Court's ruling to ban tourism in critical tiger habitats or core area of tiger reserves has not been well received. The Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council is the latest to join those not in favour of the ban.

"In a state like Maharashtra where many national parks consists only of the core areas, the declaration might mean the end of wildlife tourism as the whole park will be closed for tourists," said Devendra Parekh, president of VED in a press release.

He added that tourism is a useful tool for tiger conservation as well as a great employment opportunity for the local communities in the forest fringes. "This decision harms an industry that brings employment for people at the grass-roots level, especially in poor undeveloped areas of Maharashtra. As of today the whole tourism industry in India is at a standstill because of this decision," Parekh said.

VED has now taken up the issue with the chief minister and has urged him to take up the matter in the interests of the state. It will also be intervening in this matter in court.

"When representations have been received from states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh opposing this ban, why has Maharashtra not sent one? Is the state not concerned about the many locals who would be loosing their livelihoods because of this ban? And many such questions need to be answered by the state government immediately," said Vilas Kale, head of VED's tourism development. tnn