Plans to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh through new helicopter services have hit a crucial roadblock, as environmental concerns have led to the denial of operation permits for routes crossing protected areas. The decision stems directly from a recent Supreme Court order mandating the creation of Silence Zones in vital wildlife habitats.
While the state government approved a route connecting Indore to Ujjain (20 minutes) and Ujjain to Omkareshwar (40 minutes) for pilgrims, with a one-way fare set at ₹11,500, two other proposed routes—Bhopal to Madhai and Bhopal to Pachmarhi—did not receive the necessary clearance.
The services connecting Bhopal to Madhai and Pachmarhi were denied approval because they were found to violate the Supreme Court’s November 17 ruling concerning a case related to Jim Corbett National Park. This ruling mandates the establishment of silence zones in protected areas.
Conflict with Core Forest Areas
Madhai, located in the Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) district, serves as a significant entry point to the Satpura Reserve and is a popular destination for tourists seeking jungle safaris and wildlife viewing. Pachmarhi, also in the Narmadapuram district, is a renowned hill station nestled in the Satpura hills, known for its historical importance and natural beauty.
Operating helicopter services on these routes would necessitate flying over the core area of the Satpura forests. This activity poses a risk to the existence of wildlife and violates the Supreme Court’s orders.
The Supreme Court Mandate on Silence Zones
The Supreme Court ruling, dated November 17, 2025, requires all state governments to implement measures within three months to establish silence zones in Tiger Reserves and Eco-sensitive Zones. This decision arose from a petition filed by T.N. Godavarman regarding excessive activities and disturbances caused by eco-tourism in the Jim Corbett National Park.
Key components of the ruling include:
The entire area of a Tiger Reserve and the Eco-sensitive Zone of protected areas must be notified as a Silence Zone.
This notification must be done under the Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules, 2000.
The only acceptable flying zone in Eco-sensitive Zones must be at an altitude of 1000 feet or higher.
The bench, led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai, emphasized that while tourism should be promoted, it must strictly adhere to the principles of eco-tourism.
Environmental activists played a role in stopping the proposed services, alerting the government to the potential violations.
Environmentalists noted in a letter to the government that the proposed helipad service in Madhya Pradesh was situated merely 200 meters from the core area boundary. This proximity violates the established silence zone conditions and the minimum altitude requirement of 1000 feet, leading to the decision to halt the two controversial helicopter services.
Beyond regulating noise and altitude, the Supreme Court decision, based on the report of an expert committee, also imposed a list of activities to be banned or regulated in buffer zones and catchment areas. These restrictions include regulating the number of vehicles used for tiger safaris, removing illegal construction, and focusing on the restoration of degraded forest land. The implications of this ruling extend to all tiger habitats and protected areas across the country.
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