The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has acted on its own initiative after a report uncovered illegal entry of luxury vehicles into Ranthambore National Park. On August 15, it was revealed that a dozen luxury SUVs, driven by influential people, had entered Zone 8, a crucial tiger habitat within the park.

The report suggests potential negligence by forest officials, despite the park’s advanced surveillance and anti-poaching systems meant to monitor all activities.

An official stated, “NGT has issued notices to several officials, including the principal chief conservator of forests, the chief wildlife warden of Rajasthan, the Ministry of Environment, and the district magistrate of Sawai Madhopur. They must submit their responses with affidavits to NGT’s central zonal bench in Bhopal. The next hearing is set for October 16, 2024.”