In a scathing rebuke, the Supreme Court has condemned former Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat and former divisional Forest Officer Kishan Chand for their role in permitting illegal construction and tree felling within the revered Jim Corbett tiger reserve. The court's remarks come as a stern reminder of the importance of upholding environmental laws and protecting precious wildlife habitats.

A bench headed by Justice BR Gavai delivered the criticism, expressing dismay at the blatant disregard for the law exhibited by Rawat and Chand. The court pointed out that their actions, purportedly carried out in the name of promoting tourism, amounted to a betrayal of the public trust doctrine. The bench underscored the audacity with which Rawat and Chand flouted statutory provisions for commercial gains.

The gravity of the situation prompted the Supreme Court to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), already investigating the case, to submit a status report within three months. This move signifies the court's commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in cases of environmental degradation.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court has initiated steps to assess the feasibility of permitting tiger safaris in buffer or fringe areas of national parks across the country. This decision reflects a proactive approach towards balancing conservation efforts with responsible tourism practices.

Prior to the court's intervention, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted raids on the residences of Rawat and Chand in connection with illegal construction activities within the tiger reserve. These enforcement actions underscore the seriousness with which authorities are tackling environmental violations.

The plight of the Jim Corbett tiger reserve serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard our natural heritage.