Kali Tiger Reserve: Illegal tourism constructions or conservation efforts?
The responses from the Kali Tiger Reserve administration were obtained under RTI
The Karnataka Forest Department has informed the Union Environment Ministry’s Project Tiger and Elephant division that tourism constructions and activities in Kali Tiger Reserve were not illegal, although documents reveal that the construction was undertaken without mandatory approvals from the Chief Wildlife Warden and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The responses from the Kali Tiger Reserve administration were obtained under RTI.
In his response submitted to the Centre, Kumar Pushkar, Karnataka’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), stated, “The activities undertaken are in the best interest of wildlife conservation and for the development of local communities. The works being carried out benefit both the protection of biodiversity and the well-being of people living within the jurisdiction of Kali Tiger Reserve, supporting sustainable development. Hence, it is requested that the above-mentioned complaint may be closed.”
The administration of Kali Tiger Reserve constructed an orchidarium. Tourism activities at Basava Falls, Shivpur Hanging Bridge, and other spots in the core area of the tiger reserve, and new trekking routes such as Castlerock to Dudhsagar Top were some of the constructions that were undertaken. Additionally, permission was given to tourists to visit the Blue Waterfalls area beside Anshi-Kadra Road.
A whistleblower, requesting anonymity, stated that the justification offered by the administration of the Tiger Reserve, that the activities undertaken are in the interest of wildlife conservation and local communities, is untenable in law and contrary to the approved management framework.
“The construction of an orchidarium in the core/Critical Tiger Habitat has been justified as being for educational purposes. However, Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, mandates that core areas of tiger reserves remain inviolate and does not distinguish between educational and commercial activities. Furthermore, the orchidarium is not an approved activity under the Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) of Kali Tiger Reserve (2014–2024) and was undertaken without mandatory approvals from the Chief Wildlife Warden and the National Tiger Conservation Authority,” he said.
Similarly, he revealed that trekking routes near Ulavi, tourism at Blue Water Falls, and the boat safari in the Kali River backwaters are not provided for under the approved TCP. Initiating such activities without incorporation in the TCP and without statutory approvals violates the Wildlife (Protection) Act, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) tourism guidelines, and applicable Working Plan provisions.
