In July the Supreme Court had ordered a ban on tourism in the core areas of the tiger reserves to save tigers. It has now stated that the ban would continue for the month of August too.

The Center had requested the permission from the SC to review the policy that it has stated on the tiger tourism but the apex court had remained firm on its decision. It has quashed the Center's claims that the ban would affect the economy of several states due to lowered employment opportunities.

Bashing out at the Center, the SC said, "Now you want us to review this ban. We want to know on what basis did you recommend the ban initially".

The next hearing of the case is scheduled to be held on 29 August. Even after the Center had repeatedly asked that the tourism has stopped in the core areas, the states did not comply. The earlier ban ordered by the supreme court on the same was based on a policy of the Center.

Taking out on the Center, the SC admonished them saying,"Now what are you going to do to save tigers. The population of tigers come down to 1,200 from 13,000. You are more worried about commercial activities."

Seeking to annul the ban several governments of the states and NGO's have filed petitions.

(AW- Anil)