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Consider Substantial Increase In Entry Fee To Eco-Tourism Centres To Reduce Number Of Visitors: Kerala High Court To Govt
Manju Elsa Isac
13 Jun 2024 3:33 PM IST
The Kerala High Court has asked the State government to consider making a "substantial increase" in the entry fee to eco-tourism areas.The development comes after the Additional Advocate General for the State informed the High Court that its earlier order of closing down eco-tourism centers in Wayand is causing great prejudice.The High Court had ordered temporary closure of the eco-tourism...
The Kerala High Court has asked the State government to consider making a "substantial increase" in the entry fee to eco-tourism areas.
The development comes after the Additional Advocate General for the State informed the High Court that its earlier order of closing down eco-tourism centers in Wayand is causing great prejudice.
The High Court had ordered temporary closure of the eco-tourism centre in the district after an elephant killed Vellachallil Paul, an eco-tourism employee in Kuruvadweep.
The Division Bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiyar and Gopinath P. observed during the hearing that visitors in forests can cause man-animal conflicts. It observed that there should be a balance of interest between preservation of wildlife and interest of wildlife and environment enthusiasts.
However, considering the State's request, the Court suggested there should be a limit on number of visitors. To achieve this, it said the Sate should consider substantially increasing the entry fee "which would automatically reduce the number of visitors."
The Court has now asked the State government to submit a proposal detailing the restrictions/ conditions it intends to impose. Court noted that there are shops run by Vana Samrakshana Samithies in this area. It asked the Government to submit to the court the manner of constitution of the Samithies including the qualification of people who can be appointed. It also called for a total ban on plastics inside such places including in the shops operates by Vana Samrakshana Samithies.
The matter is next posted on 14th June.
Case Title: In Re: Bruno v Union of India and Others
Case Number: WP (C ) 13204/ 2021
Click here to read/download order
