Night safaris and drone use in Jawai Leopard Reserve prohibited by Rajasthan high court beyond prescribed hours

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan High Court has prohibited night safaris and the use of drones in Pali district’s Jawai Leopard Reserve, raising concerns over disturbance to wildlife due to unregulated tourism activities. A bench of Justices Sandeep Shah and Pushpendra Singh Bhati directed the state government to ensure that no safari or wildlife-spotting activity takes place beyond the prescribed hours of 6 am to 7 pm. The order came while hearing a public interest litigation filed by a resident, Apoorva Agrawat. The court observed that such time restrictions are in line with the norms followed at Ranthambore National Park and are necessary to minimise stress and disturbance to animals, particularly during dusk hours. It also directed authorities to strictly prohibit the use of torchlights, searchlights, spotlights, drones or any similar devices for locating or observing wildlife, stating that such practices interfere with animals’ natural behaviour and habitats. The court further said that any instance of misconduct by safari operators, hospitality staff or other individuals that leads to harassment or interference with wildlife must be promptly reported and dealt with under the law through appropriate penal and regulatory action. Referring to Article 48A of the Constitution and the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the bench emphasised that environmental protection and safeguarding of forests and wildlife are essential responsibilities of governance. The bench also took note of submissions pointing to widespread violations of ecological norms in the reserve, including the use of artificial lights and drones to track animals near their caves and dens, which was said to be causing stress to wildlife. Stressing the need for strict enforcement, the court directed the state government and concerned authorities to put in place adequate preventive and regulatory measures to ensure compliance with its order.