Jaipur: After the production of Maruti Gypsy was discontinued countrywide, the state forest department is exploring introducing Mahindra Scorpio (petrol) for jungle safaris.
The experiment will be initiated in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve-II, Karauli, where the department is planning to open new routes for safaris. For this, applications have been invited till September 30 from vehicle owners having Mahindra Scorpio petrol or Gypsy.
An official said all safari vehicles attached with the forest department are owned by local people. Only those vehicles that are registered with the forest department are allowed inside the park for safaris. “As per the rule, safari vehicles older than eight years are not allowed inside the forest. Now, after production of Gypsy was stopped, the department is looking for an alternative option. If trial is successful, Scorpio could be used in other parks including Ranthambore.”
Over the past few months, some incidents were reported where tourists had a narrow escape after vehicles broke down inside the park. “Many vehicles in RNP are in a ramshackle condition and need to be replaced. By 2026, most of the Gypsies will fail to meet the model condition criteria of the department,” said a source.
An official said after receiving a nod, an exercise has been started to launch safari on three routes in Kailadevi, which is part-II phase of the Ranthambhore Tiger Project.
In the past, frequent movements of big cats were recorded in the adjacent areas of Kailadevi wildlife reserve, which has a size of 770 sq km.
FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE
