Supreme Court: While considering the instant application seeking directions to the State of Rajasthan and the Central Government to take immediate and effective steps to regulate and restrict public access and vehicular traffic to Trinetra Ganesh Temple and other religious sites located within the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)/core zone of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve; the 3- Judge Bench of B.R Gavai, CJ., A.G. Masih and A.S Chandurkar, JJ., appointed a Committee to address the concerns with regard to the issue in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and recommend solutions in a phased manner. It was directed that the following, will be the Member of the said Committee:
(i) The Collector, Sawai Madhopur
(ii) The Field Director, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve; and
(iii) A member of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
Background:
The instant application highlighted the following issues:
1. Issue regarding religious gathering in Trinetra Ganesha Temple
The temple which is located within the historic Ranthambore Fort which is approximately 5 kms within the National Park. It was stated that on Wednesdays alone, the number of pilgrims exceed 10,000 and on Sundays the figure touches nearly 6,000 and on regular weekdays the footfall hovers around 2,500 visitors per day.
It is further stated that the road leading from Ganesh Dham to Jogi Mahal Gate—a 6 km stretch—serves as the primary approach route to the Temple. This stretch, which lies entirely within the core zone of the Tiger Reserve, witnesses an alarming number of private vehicles, including cars, taxis, motorcycles, and even pedestrians. It was stated that on certain days, upwards of 7,500 vehicles are illegally parked along the stretch, causing massive congestion and exposing high-density tiger zones to intrusive human presence. This influx of such large crowd results in multiple direct and indirect harms to the fragile ecosystem. Pilgrims cook food using firewood extracted illegally from the Tiger Reserve, dispose of plastic waste in large quantities, and cause severe anthropogenic disturbances to the wildlife, particularly tigers and other keystone species.
2. Illegal mining activities within Core/CTH area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Approx. 150 ha of land situated adjacent to Uliyana village within the CTH of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is affected by extensive illegal mining activities. The mining operations in Uliyana involve usage of heavy machinery and repeated movement of dumpers and tractor trolleys.
3. Illegal Commercial Constructions & Encroachments in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Despite prohibition by the State of Rajasthan, illegal constructions have continued unabated. It is further stated that the Kachida Mataji Temple located inside the Tiger Reserve, has been continuously and unlawfully expanding over the years. The Pilgrims visiting the temple regularly throw plastic waste inside the forest area.
4. Delay in notification of ESZ around Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Due to non-declaration of ESZ of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve — hotels, motels, farmhouses, residential colonies, commercial spaces — are growing inside the CTH of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
5. Conservation of historic structures within Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
There are various historic structures situated in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve like Jogi Mahal, Battees Khamba, Bada Mahal, Ranthambhore Fort, Jain Temple, etc. It was submitted that the said historic structures are not being properly maintained.
Court’s Assessment:
Perusing the matter, the Court took note of its previous order in December 2024 concerning Sariska Tiger Reserve wherein the Court considered issues similar to the instant application. Therein the Court had appointed a Committee to investigate the matter as well.
Hence, taking note of the similarity between issues existing in Sariska and Ranthambore, the Court deemed it fit to appoint a Committee to address the concerns in Ranthambore.