Call to ban alcohol and non-veg food in MP sanctuaries:Letter sent to CS Anurag Jain and PS Van Yadav; demand to implement Uttarakhand, UP and Maharashtra model

A demand has been raised to implement forest management policies similar to those followed in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in order to regulate the consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food by visitors in Madhya Pradesh’s tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. These states have already imposed restrictions on alcohol and non-vegetarian food in forest rest houses, inspection bungalows and guest houses located within protected areas to reduce the risk of human–wildlife conflict. Wildlife activists are now urging the Madhya Pradesh government to adopt a similar model, arguing that such measures would strengthen the state’s position as a leader in ethical wildlife tourism and conservation. Concerns over sensitive areas becoming recreational venues Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey, in a letter addressed to Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Principal Secretary of the Forest Department and the PCCF Head of Forest Force, emphasised the need for policy reforms to preserve the sanctity of the state’s globally recognised forest areas. Dubey stated that although Madhya Pradesh is considered a leader in wildlife conservation, there is currently no uniform statewide ban on alcohol and non-vegetarian food in Forest Rest Houses (FRHs). As a result, he argued, many of these sensitive ecological zones are increasingly being treated as recreational or entertainment venues rather than conservation-focused spaces. Examples from other states Dubey noted in his reform proposal that several states have already recognised the need for such restrictions to maintain the ‘sanctity of the forest’. The Uttarakhand government implemented strict regulations through order number 992/14-4-97-812/97 concerning protected areas such as the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. According to the official notification, restrictions have long been enforced in reserves, including Rajaji and Jim Corbett. A government order dated 15 April 1997 imposed a complete ban on alcohol and non-vegetarian food in all inspection houses and rest houses located within protected forest areas. Similarly, the Maharashtra government introduced comparable restrictions under its 2005 policy. During the tenure of the then Forest Minister, a decision was taken to ban non-vegetarian food in January 2005 and alcohol in May 2005 in facilities located within wildlife habitats. Although there has been administrative pressure in recent years to relax these restrictions to increase tourism revenue, the Maharashtra Forest Department has continued to oppose any dilution of the policy. Officials have argued that food waste from non-vegetarian meals can attract wild animals, while alcohol consumption may lead to irresponsible behaviour among visitors. In Uttar Pradesh, major sanctuaries such as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve have followed a strict ‘vegetarian-only’ and ‘alcohol-free’ canteen policy for decades to ensure a calm and disturbance-free environment for wildlife. Why is the policy considered Important for Madhya Pradesh ? Dubey highlighted three major reasons for implementing such restrictions in Madhya Pradesh: ecological protection, tourism discipline and the safety of field staff. Ecological Impact: Leftover meat and bone waste can attract scavengers and carnivorous animals towards areas inhabited by humans, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters between wildlife and visitors. Tourism Discipline: Alcohol consumption often leads to late-night noise and inappropriate behaviour, which violates the Wildlife Protection Act’s requirement to maintain peace and tranquillity within protected forest areas. Protection of Field Staff: According to the Uttarakhand circular cited by Dubey, forest guards and watchmen are frequently pressured by influential visitors to arrange alcohol or non-vegetarian food. A clear government order banning these items would help protect staff members from such demands. Dubey has therefore urged Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Principal Secretary Van Sandeep Yadav and the Head of Forest Force to issue a formal notification, similar to those adopted in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra, prohibiting the consumption and serving of alcohol and non-vegetarian food in all forest rest houses, inspection bungalows and guest houses located within protected areas. He argued that such a step would further reinforce Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as a global leader in responsible wildlife tourism and conservation.