One incident involved an autistic woman whose image was captured by camera traps while she was relieving herself
Sound recorders, camera traps, and drones deployed in Uttarakhand’s Corbett Tiger Reserve are allegedly being used to monitor women without their consent, a study by researchers at Cambridge University has found. The findings raise serious ethical questions about surveillance practices in and around the national park.
The research, conducted by Cambridge academic Dr Trishant Simlai, involved 14 months of interviews with 270 residents living near the reserve. According to the study, forest rangers have reportedly flown drones over women in the forest, allegedly to frighten them or deter them from gathering natural resources.
“Women told me they felt inhibited by cameras, often speaking or singing softly to avoid being recorded,” Simlai said in an interview with AFP. The study highlights the impact of surveillance on women in the area, who traditionally consider the forest a refuge from the constraints of a conservative and patriarchal society.
One incident involved an autistic woman whose image was captured by camera traps while she was relieving herself. Her video was reportedly shared on social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp. In another case, a woman shared with Simlai her discomfort about walking or sitting near cameras, fearing she might be photographed or recorded inappropriately.
The report also revealed that some women are venturing deeper into the forest to evade surveillance, exposing themselves to risks in a reserve known for its high tiger density. The Corbett Tiger Reserve, part of the Jim Corbett National Park, is renowned for its tiger population and was the first site of India’s Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
A forest ranger cited in the study mentioned an instance where a camera trap captured a couple engaging in objectionable behaviour, which was promptly reported to the police. However, the broader implications of such practices, including the violation of privacy and the psychological impact on local women, remain under scrutiny.
Dr Simlai’s research sheds light on how surveillance, originally intended for wildlife monitoring and security, is affecting the daily lives of women in the area. The study has sparked conversations around the ethical dimensions of technology use in conservation zones, particularly in balancing environmental protection with human rights.
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, holds the distinction of being India’s oldest national park. Its lush landscape and rich biodiversity have made it a symbol of conservation success, but the latest revelations call for introspection about its governance and policies.
