A controversy erupted in Uttarakhand after wedding preparations for the son of a state Cabinet minister were found inside the core zone of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Acting swiftly, the forest department dismantled all arrangements at the Sureshwari Devi Temple complex in the Haridwar range and registered a case following public outrage.
The preparations reportedly included tents, tables, chairs, coolers, and water tankers, raising serious concerns about violations within a protected wildlife area. The issue came to light after photos and videos of the setup surfaced on social media, triggering widespread criticism over the use of an ecologically sensitive zone for a private event.
Authorities confirmed that no prior permission had been granted for such arrangements in the reserve’s core area. Acting director Rajiv Dhiman stated that a case has been registered against members of the temple committee under the Wildlife Protection Act. He added that all materials have been removed and a detailed investigation is underway.
Show-cause notices have also been issued to forest staff to determine whether there was any negligence in allowing the materials to enter the restricted zone. Officials emphasized that access to such areas is strictly regulated, even for religious visits, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
Meanwhile, the minister denied any wrongdoing, calling the controversy politically motivated. He claimed that a senior forest official had been informed and that the arrangements were made with the temple committee’s consent.
The incident has reignited concerns over enforcement of environmental laws and the protection of fragile ecosystems in India’s tiger reserves.