In a significant move to protect tigers and their habitats in the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) in Rajasthan, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court has recommended a complete ban on private vehicles by March 2025. The CEC's recommendations aim to mitigate the adverse impacts of vehicular traffic on the reserve, which is home to a growing population of tigers and other wildlife.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve, which spans over 800 square kilometres, has been grappling with heavy traffic due to the influx of devotees visiting numerous temples within the reserve, including the well-known Pandupol temple situated 22 kilometres inside the core area. The unregulated movement of vehicles has raised concerns about the degradation of tiger habitats and the safety of the wildlife.
