6 from Delhi fined Rs 1L for drinking, bathing in Rajaji core zone

Dehradun: Authorities at Rajaji Tiger Reserve have penalised six youths from Delhi Rs 1 lakh under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for allegedly entering the core wildlife habitat of the reserve's Motichur range "without permission" and partying in the prohibited area. According to officials, a patrolling team spotted the group on a riverbank inside the restricted zone and initiated action. The youths, all in their 20s, had ventured near the Song river in Motichur range, where they were allegedly found drinking and bathing.Koko Rose, director of the tiger reserve, said on Tuesday, "The group claimed they were unaware that the area was off-limits and did not know about the rules and regulations governing entry into the core zone. They were penalised Rs 1 lakh for the offence. Otherwise, the penalty could have escalated to imprisonment under wildlife protection laws."Motichur range is ecologically significant. Between 2020 and 2025, five tigers from Jim Corbett National Park were translocated to the area as part of efforts to recolonise tigers in the western Himalayan foothills. Officials said human presence and irresponsible behaviour in such sensitive zones could disturb wildlife and increase the risk of conflict.The director added, "During festivals such as Holi, large numbers of people flock to riverbanks across Uttarakhand, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife encounters. People often visit rivers in a festive spirit, but given the presence of large wildlife such as tigers, elephants and leopards in the state, the chances of conflict multiply."During festive periods like Holi and Diwali, protected forest areas are placed on high alert. Forest officials said intensive patrolling is carried out to prevent poaching, smuggling and unsafe interactions with wildlife. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand forest department headquarters has issued an alert and activated frontline teams across protected areas to safeguard forests and wildlife during the festive season, officials said.