SC bans tourism in core areas of tiger reserves

CNN-IBN New Delhi: In a big victory for conservationists, the Supreme Court on Tuesday banned tourism in the core areas of tiger reserves. The order came in response to a public interest litigation by activists which argued that tourism activities were putting pressure on crucial tiger habitats and that tiger safaris and resorts should be shifted to buffer zones instead. According to the latest tiger census, there are approximately 1700 big cats left in India. The Supreme court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on states which haven't filed an affidavit about notification of buffer zones around tiger reserves. Only two states have filed affidavits till now. The court ordered that there will be no tourism in core areas till the matter is disposed off. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sc-bans-tourism-in-core-areas-of-tiger-reserves/273925-3.html