Ranthambore Puts the Brakes on Reels: Mobile Phones Banned During Safari After Supreme Court Directive

Sawai Madhopur: Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the world-famous Ranthambore National Park will now have to experience the king of the jungle with their own eyes — not through a phone screen. Following strict instructions from the Supreme Court, the Forest Department has imposed a complete ban on mobile phone usage during safaris. Tourists will no longer be able to take selfies or shoot reels, as interfering with the tigers’ natural privacy can now have serious consequences.

Supreme Court Guidelines Drive the Move
Sanjeev Sharma, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Tourism) for the Ranthambore Tiger Project, stated that the stringent decision was taken in adherence to Supreme Court guidelines. Tourists often create noise or venture too close to capture the perfect photo or video, disturbing the peace of the forest and interfering with the natural behaviour of the tigers.

Why the Ban Was Necessary
The park administration noted that the increasing craze for mobile phones had created a “traffic jam” in the jungle. The moment a tiger appears, safari vehicles would crowd the same spot in a bid to shoot reels or selfies, endangering both tourists and wildlife. Repeated flashes and noise for photographs can make animals aggressive or stressed. Additionally, guides and drivers were increasingly violating safety rules in the rush to click pictures.

Attempts to Regulate in the Past
Interestingly, the Forest Department had previously banned mobile phones for guides and drivers, but the move faced significant backlash and had to be reversed. However, with the Supreme Court directive this time, the ban is being strictly enforced. Tourists may carry cameras, but phones must remain tucked away in pockets or bags throughout the safari.