In a significant step aimed at protecting wildlife and preserving the ecological balance, the Rajasthan forest department has officially banned the use of mobile phones during safaris at Ranthambore National Park. The decision has been taken in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines that stress minimising human-induced disturbances in protected wildlife areas.

Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most prominent tiger reserves, attracts thousands of tourists each year. While tourism plays a vital role in conservation awareness and local livelihoods, unregulated human behaviour—particularly the use of mobile phones—has increasingly been seen as a threat to wildlife. Ringing phones, camera flashes, loud conversations, and attempts to capture videos for social media have been known to disrupt animal movement and natural behaviour.

According to forest officials, the mobile phone ban is intended to create a quiet and stress-free environment for animals, especially during safaris when vehicles move through core and buffer zones. Wildlife experts have long warned that repeated disturbances can alter feeding patterns, breeding behaviour, and territorial movement, particularly for sensitive species such as tigers.

The move aligns with broader judicial and policy efforts to strengthen wildlife protection across India. The Supreme Court has, in several rulings, emphasised the need for strict regulation of tourism activities in national parks and tiger reserves. These guidelines highlight that conservation objectives must take precedence over recreational interests.

Under the new rule, safari visitors will be required to switch off and refrain from using mobile phones while inside the park. Forest staff and guides have been instructed to ensure compliance, and violations may attract penalties or other action as per park regulations. Exceptions may be considered only for emergency or official purposes.

Officials believe the ban will also improve the overall safari experience. Without distractions, visitors are more likely to observe wildlife responsibly, listen to guides, and engage meaningfully with the natural surroundings. Conservationists argue that ethical wildlife tourism depends not just on access, but on discipline and respect for nature.

The decision has received mixed reactions. While conservation groups and wildlife experts have welcomed the move, some tourists have expressed concerns about inconvenience. However, authorities maintain that the temporary restriction is a small sacrifice for the long-term protection of fragile ecosystems.

Ranthambore’s step may also serve as a model for other protected areas facing similar challenges due to rising tourist numbers and digital overuse. As smartphone penetration grows, managing its impact on natural habitats has become an increasingly urgent issue.

By enforcing the mobile phone ban, Rajasthan’s forest department aims to reaffirm Ranthambore’s status as a conservation-first zone. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward responsible eco-tourism, where human enjoyment of nature does not come at the cost of wildlife well-being.

Ultimately, the measure underscores a simple but powerful message: protecting wildlife requires not only laws and enforcement, but also conscious behaviour from visitors who share these spaces with nature.