Rajasthan
Rajasthan: One more route to see tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve | Jaipur News
JAIPUR: The forest administration at Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) has proposed to open an additional route for tourists to have better sighting of big cats.
The decision was taken following demand of stakeholders as tourists visiting STR during this period in the past had negligible tiger sighting, unlike Ranthambore.
As per the proposal, the route between Bara-Liwari, Shyodaanpura, Kabutar Khana and Pratap Bandh will be opened after receiving the approval. Along with this, the route between Kaali-Ghati and Pandupol and all zones of Balaquila will be remain open for safari.
Field director of Sariska Tiger Reserve R N Meena said, “The proposal to open the additional route for tourists has been forwarded to chief wildlife warden for approval. The route map has been chalked in a manner that it would not disturb the habitat or wildlife during monsoon.”
The stakeholders are elated with the move as there is a possibility of better sighting for tourists as two tigers are inhabitants of the area. “Earlier, wildlife tourists coming to Sariska for safari during this season was feeling duped as there was zero sighting. On the contrary, 6 to 10 zone are opened for tourists in Ranthambore, where sighting of big cats is good. We have requested the administration to atleast open one route where there is possibility for sightings,” said a nature guide who wished not to be named.
Sariska will be closed this monsoon from July 1 to September 30. “The park will remain closed for three months. However, pilgrims visiting Pandupol temple will be allowed to enter inside the park on Tuesdays and Saturdays” added the official.
In 2006, the NTCA had ordered ceasing jungle safaris in tiger reserves during monsoon for a minimum of three months, citing that it was the season for forests to rejuvenate and tigers to breed.
However, according to sources, for the past few years reserves have been open for tourists as forest administration believes that tourism helps to monitor tigers and check illegal grazing, poaching and deforestation. Also people had faced a huge financial setback during pandemic as the park was already closed for two-and-a-half months.
An official source said, “During the pandemic, livelihood of many locals was affected as parks were closed. If the forest department does not assist to gain momentum to bring tourists, people will take them as their enemy and not contribute in conservation.”
The decision was taken following demand of stakeholders as tourists visiting STR during this period in the past had negligible tiger sighting, unlike Ranthambore.
As per the proposal, the route between Bara-Liwari, Shyodaanpura, Kabutar Khana and Pratap Bandh will be opened after receiving the approval. Along with this, the route between Kaali-Ghati and Pandupol and all zones of Balaquila will be remain open for safari.
Field director of Sariska Tiger Reserve R N Meena said, “The proposal to open the additional route for tourists has been forwarded to chief wildlife warden for approval. The route map has been chalked in a manner that it would not disturb the habitat or wildlife during monsoon.”
The stakeholders are elated with the move as there is a possibility of better sighting for tourists as two tigers are inhabitants of the area. “Earlier, wildlife tourists coming to Sariska for safari during this season was feeling duped as there was zero sighting. On the contrary, 6 to 10 zone are opened for tourists in Ranthambore, where sighting of big cats is good. We have requested the administration to atleast open one route where there is possibility for sightings,” said a nature guide who wished not to be named.
Sariska will be closed this monsoon from July 1 to September 30. “The park will remain closed for three months. However, pilgrims visiting Pandupol temple will be allowed to enter inside the park on Tuesdays and Saturdays” added the official.
In 2006, the NTCA had ordered ceasing jungle safaris in tiger reserves during monsoon for a minimum of three months, citing that it was the season for forests to rejuvenate and tigers to breed.
However, according to sources, for the past few years reserves have been open for tourists as forest administration believes that tourism helps to monitor tigers and check illegal grazing, poaching and deforestation. Also people had faced a huge financial setback during pandemic as the park was already closed for two-and-a-half months.
An official source said, “During the pandemic, livelihood of many locals was affected as parks were closed. If the forest department does not assist to gain momentum to bring tourists, people will take them as their enemy and not contribute in conservation.”
