The Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, comprising Justices A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiyar and Gopinath P. in the case of In Re: Bruno v Union of India and Others has recently advised the State government to contemplate a "substantial increase" in the entry fee for eco-tourism areas.
The Court was informed by the learned Additional Advocate General that the order of this Court directing the closing down of ecotourism centers in Wayanad is causing great prejudice and the Government may be permitted to reopen these ecotourism Centers.
The Court opined that entry into areas such as ‘Kuruva’ Island must be restricted and the number of visitors must be limited to the bare minimum. We are also of the opinion that there must be a balancing of interest between the preservation of wildlife and the interests of wildlife and environmental enthusiasts, who may want to visit such areas.
The Court ordered the Government to consider increasing the entry fee substantially which would automatically reduce the number of visitors to the area.
The Court listed the matter on 14.06.24 for next hearing.
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