The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued notices to the Maharashtra Government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which challenged monsoon tourism in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The petition challenges a circular issued on May 4, 2026, by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). The circular allows limited tourism, jungle safaris and photography inside protected forests during monsoon.

 

The PIL has been filed by Nishikant Jadhav, a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and environmental researcher. He retired as Conservator of Forests in 2004. During his career, he worked extensively in forest administration, wildlife conservation and environmental management. Jadhav sought an immediate stay on tourism activities for the remaining monsoon season. However, the High Court decided to hear the plea for interim relief next week. According to the petition, the State Government allowed monsoon tourism without conducting any scientific study. It also claims that no route specific or ecosystem based assessment was carried out before issuing the circular. The petition says monsoon is a crucial breeding season for wildlife. Human movement inside forests during this period can disturb animals and damage their natural habitat.

 

Therefore, it has sought a complete ban on tourism in all wildlife sanctuaries and national parks during the rainy season. The PIL has also underlined the rising tiger population in Umred-Karhandla and Tipeshwar wildlife sanctuaries. It has urged the authorities to declare both as tiger reserves to provide stronger protection for the growing tiger population. During the hearing, Advocate Kartik Shukul appeared for NTCA. Advocates Parth Malviya and Vishwajeet Sambre represented the petitioner. Advocate Deepak Thakre appeared for the State Government. After hearing all the sides, the HC issued notices to the State Government and the NTCA. The matter will now come up next week for hearing on the petitioner’s request for interim relief.