Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court, hearing a public interest petition, has instructed the Director of Corbett National Park to not finalize any safari gypsy registration until November 27, and to develop a fresh policy that expands employment opportunities for local residents.
The petitioners, residents and existing permit‑holders, argued that the current registration process unfairly favours a certain category of vehicle owners while excluding those with valid permits or whose vehicles were registered two years ago. They say this excludes many eligible local operators.
Authority favours some permit holders
The division bench comprising chief justice G. Narendra and justice Subhash Upadhyay heard this matter. During the court hearing, the bench emphasized that any new policy must aim to maximize employment for people living around Corbett, ensuring more locals can benefit from safari tourism. It directed that all valid permit holders, whether old or new, meeting legal criteria should be eligible to enter the lottery for gypsy registration.
Until the court’s next hearing, authorities have been barred from concluding the registration process. The fresh policy must be submitted by November 27, when the matter will again be reviewed.
Administrative barriers prevent the equal distribution of tourism business
Advocates and locals say this decision is overdue. They point out that safari tourism in Corbett has become a major source of livelihood for many residents, yet structural and administrative barriers have prevented equitable access. This court order is seen as a move toward greater fairness in the distribution of tourism-based business.
Park administration will have to ensure transparency
The forest and park administration will now need to revisit existing registration rules, lottery mechanisms, and eligibility criteria. They will also have to ensure transparency, involve community stakeholders, and avoid monopolistic practices that favour already powerful operators.
Many loopholes in Corbett’s safari operations were seen in past
Yet the decision comes amid broader scrutiny of Corbett’s safari operations. In past years, dozens of safari vehicles have been banned for rule violations or overspeeding. Similarly, there have been concerns over vehicle fitness and accountability—for instance, the vehicle used by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister on safari was found to have an expired fitness certificate, prompting a probe.