What new rules did the Supreme Court of India impose on tiger reserves?

The Supreme Court directed all state governments to establish eco-sensitive zones of at least 1 kilometer around tiger reserves, ban the use of mobile phones and night tourism in core tiger habitats, and implement new policies to support and boost the morale of frontline forest staff.

How will the Supreme Court's ruling impact the conservation of India's tigers?

The court's comprehensive guidelines aim to strengthen the protection and conservation of India's tiger population by regulating activities within and around tiger reserves, improving the working conditions of forest staff, and mandating restoration measures in degraded areas.

What specific measures did the Supreme Court propose to support forest staff in tiger reserves?

The court directed the creation of separate policies on funding and staffing for tiger reserves, prohibited the outsourcing of forest personnel, and proposed innovative measures like allowing forest guards to display medals for commendable work and providing ex-gratia payments in case of duty-related deaths.

Home / Environment / Supreme Court Orders Strict Measures to Protect India's Tiger Reserves

Supreme Court Orders Strict Measures to Protect India's Tiger Reserves

18 Nov

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Summary

Supreme Court directs states to notify eco-sensitive zones around tiger reserves
Bans mobile phones and night tourism in core tiger habitats
Proposes new policies to boost morale and support for forest staff

Supreme Court Orders Strict Measures to Protect India's Tiger Reserves

On November 18, 2025, India's Supreme Court issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to strengthen the protection and conservation of the country's tiger reserves. In a significant ruling, the court directed all state governments to notify eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) of at least 1 kilometer around the outer boundaries of tiger reserves, including buffer and fringe areas.

The court also ordered the establishment of "silence zones" within the entire tiger reserve area, prohibiting the use of mobile phones and night tourism in the core or critical tiger habitats. To bolster the defense of forests and wildlife, the court issued a series of directives to improve the employment, service conditions, and benefits for frontline forest staff.