Rajasthan: Greens demand strict rules for holding weddings in Ranthambore

JAIPUR: As the wedding industry takes root rapidly around the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) at an alarming rate, conservationists and other stakeholders have demanded the state government to frame stringent rules for organising such events.
Member of the state board for wildlife (SBWL) Sunil Mehta has shot a letter to the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and chief wildlife warden to make a firm policy for wedding functions organised by hotels near RTR.

“It is to the utmost detriment to the entire environment of RTR. Most of the hotels where such weddings are conducted are situated 1,000-2,000 metres within the zone of influence from the boundaries of the critical tiger habitat (CTH) of RTR,” the letter said.
Stakeholders have also demanded a ban on wedding procession, outdoor music and bands, fireworks, sky lighting, Chinese lanterns in the close periphery of the tiger reserve.
“This summer, hundreds of fire incidents took place across the country, causing irreparable damage to the environment. Few irresponsible people burn firecrackers near the forest area. This is a major threat to wildlife as it could start a fire. One unfortunate incident can sabotage all conservation efforts at RTR which houses over 70 big cats,” a prominent hotelier said. As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, the district revenue and tiger reserve authorities should ensure that all tourist facilities within the zone of influence of the CTH have all environmental clearances, follow noise pollution norms and blend with the surroundings. “Serious penalties must be imposed for non-compliance. High intensity outdoor illumination should not be permitted as it disturbs the nocturnal wildlife,” said a green activist.
“The chief minister has called a meeting of the forest department and stakeholders to discuss issues on tiger conservation in the state. After having a deliberation on these issues, the department will chalk out a policy,” a senior official said.