Jaipur: In a move to protect wildlife, the Rajasthan forest administration has introduced a ban on the use of mobile phones within the core tourism zones of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), following directions from the Supreme Court. The official order prohibits tourists, guides, naturalists, and safari vehicle drivers from using mobile phones across Zones 1 to 10 and all designated safari routes.Divisional Forest Officer (Tourism) Sanjeev Sharma emphasised the importance of the ban, saying, “The Supreme Court clearly held that the use of mobile phones within tourism zones of the core habitat of Tiger Reserves is not permitted. The order was issued to strictly implement these directions.” He also highlighted that individuals found violating the ban will face penal consequences under existing regulations. The responsibility for enforcing this ban has been assigned to Grade A and Grade B guides operating within the reserve. The decision has been well-received by environmentalists, who describe it as a necessary step to mitigate disturbances to wildlife and instill discipline during safaris. Green activist Tapeshwar Singh Bhati expressed his support, saying, “Several times, tourists are seen taking risky photographs by leaning out of vehicles. When a tiger is sighted at one location, people often call other gypsies, leading to crowding and disturbance.” Tourists, guides, vehicle owners, drivers, and hotel associations related to tourism activities around Ranthambhore have been formally notified to ensure strict compliance with the new regulations. Meanwhile, in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), officials are preparing to implement a similar ban on mobile phone use in core tourism zones, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives. A senior STR official mentioned, “The Supreme Court’s instructions are clear. The order for Sariska will be released soon and enforced strictly.” Wildlife enthusiast Jaideo Rathore, who frequently visits Jaipur’s Jhalana Safari Reserve, underscored the need for similar discipline in that area as well. He expressed concern, noting, “Though it is not a tiger reserve, drivers and guides often surround animals in a similar manner. Discipline should be enforced there too.”
