The National Green Tribunal’s Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has disposed of a case involving the illegal entry of luxury vehicles into Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
The tribunal took suo motu action based on a news article published on August 16, 2024.
The article reported that a dozen luxury vehicles, including Scorpios and Thars, entered the park’s Zone 8 without permission, raising concerns about tiger safety and forest department complicity.
The forest department responded promptly, seizing 14 vehicles and registering FIRs under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The investigation revealed that the tourists entered through Balas forest area and exited through a non-tourism area, breaking the lock of the gate near Hindwad Chowki.
The department suspended two officials, Range Forest Officer and Forest Guard , for their alleged involvement.
The tribunal reviewed the department’s actions and found them satisfactory.
The Bench of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Dr. A Senthil Vel directed the District Conservator of Forest to take necessary action in case of future violations. The tribunal disposed of the original application on October 16, 2024.