UP tiger reserves ban mobile phones; tourists, wildlife lovers unhappy

PILIBHIT: Authorities at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Saturday announced a complete ban on mobile phones inside the reserve, enforcing a 2025 Supreme Court directive aimed at minimising human interference in protected forest areas.

A similar order was issued a day earlier at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR), prohibiting the use of mobile phones at the national park as well as Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Kheri district, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district.The preventive measure follows directions issued by Uttar Pradesh’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Anuradha Vemuri, in line with SC’s order and related guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

A division bench of the apex court, comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice AS Chandurkar, had explicitly directed that the use of mobile phones within tourism zones of the core habitat of tiger reserves should not be permitted.

The direction was part of the court’s Nov 17, 2025 order in the TN Godavarman Thirumulpad versus Union of India case. Similar restrictions were enforced in Rajaji and Corbett tiger reserves.

DTR field director H Rajamohan and PTR divisional forest officer Manish Singh said the ban was intended to regulate tourist behaviour, particularly after sightings of key wildlife species such as tigers, rhinos, leopards and elephants. They explained that although mobile signals are generally weak or absent in forest areas, certain pockets within core zones still receive connectivity. In such cases, safari drivers were found alerting colleagues over phone calls after spotting animals, leading to a sudden convergence of safari vehicles, crowding of tourists at a single location, and noisy scenes inside the forest.“This appalling situation not only violates safari-related norms of the NTCA but also adversely affects the wildlife’s natural tendency to avoid human presence,” the officials said, adding that such disturbances can stress animals and trigger changes in their natural behaviour.The officials also flagged concerns over photographs taken during safaris being widely shared on social media, which could potentially enable poachers and wildlife criminals to identify the precise location of animals within the forest.

In some instances, they said, tourists were reported to have stepped out of safari vehicles to take photographs—an act strictly prohibited under NTCA norms and one that poses a serious threat to human life.They questioned the need for mobile phones during safaris when tourists are already permitted to carry cameras for photography.The ban, however, has drawn criticism from wildlife enthusiasts and tourists. Senior criminal lawyer Ashwani Agnihotri said the absence of mobile phones during safaris could be risky in emergencies such as medical crises, vehicle breakdowns or wildlife attacks.

He pointed out that safari drivers and guides are not equipped with wireless communication systems, raising concerns over how timely rescue or assistance would be ensured.Nimesh Agrawal, a wildlife lover, said cameras are expensive and not affordable for everyone. “A mobile phone is the easiest and most convenient way to capture photographs and preserve safari memories,” he said, adding that sharing such images online also helps promote tiger reserves and boost eco-tourism, which is one of the govt’s stated objectives.According to official data, Uttar Pradesh’s protected forests are home to 205 tigers, 50 greater one-horned rhinos, 330 elephants and 371 leopards.