Jim Corbett, the legendary British hunter and conservationist, remains an iconic figure in Uttarakhand, where his legacy continues to inspire reverence. Known for hunting only man-eating tigers to protect the rural populace, Corbett’s commitment to human safety and wildlife preservation was extraordinary. His classic work Man-Eaters of Kumaon delves into why some tigers turn into man-eaters, attributing it to old age, injuries, or loss of hunting ability—factors that push them toward easy prey near human settlements. It is fitting that the government named a game sanctuary after him, emphasising the need to protect these majestic creatures while fostering harmony with the human communities living near the forests.
However, a troubling issue has emerged in the very sanctuaries meant to safeguard both wildlife and human dignity. While the installation of surveillance cameras to prevent poaching and monitor tiger movements is crucial, it has inadvertently disrupted the lives of forest-dwelling women. These women, reliant on the forests for firewood, fruits, and fodder, also see the forest as a space of leisure, camaraderie, and cultural expression. Cameras, however, cannot differentiate between poachers and innocent villagers, turning this once-liberating space into one of surveillance and anxiety.
The situation worsened when a camera captured a semi-nude woman with autism relieving herself in the forest, and the footage was leaked on social media by a forest employee. This incident not only violated her privacy but also highlighted the unintended consequences of such technology. A study by Cambridge researchers confirms that these cameras have undermined the carefree lives of forest-dwelling women. A solution must be found to balance conservation efforts with the dignity of these communities. Perhaps restricting camera angles to specific trails, ensuring strict data privacy, and consulting with locals can prevent further harm. Conservation should not come at the cost of human respect and freedom.
