habitats. A major lacuna, however, is that the guidelines fail to adequately curb the construction boom on the fringes of reserves. The guidelines also evade other critical issues such as defining the 'zone of influence' around a reserve. On 16 Oct 2012 the Supreme Court lifted the ban, allowing tourism to recommence in core areas in accordance with the MoEF guidelines However, whether these guidelines will be executed and implemented effectively depends on state and local authorities, and the process will be scrutinized by many in India.