Rajasthan, Maharashtra reopen its tiger reserves to tourism after NTCA leaves decision to states
With National Tiger Conservation Authority giving a green signal to reopen Tiger Reserves, Sanctuaries and National Parks and leaving the decision to Chief Wildlife Wardens of respective states, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have opened its safari destination from today (June 25) as Covid second wave is slowing down drastically.
FollowThe Tadoba-Andheri and Nagzira and Navegaon Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra and Sarika and Ranthambore safari destinations in Rajasthan have opened for tourists from today after the National Tiger Conservation Authority put the onus on state chief wildlife wards to take a decision on reopening the safari destinations for tourists.
Earlier on June 7, the NTCA asked the zoological parks under its ambit to shut down for tourists after the death of two lions in Tamil Nadu's zoological park in Vandalur due to Covid and also positive cases among tigers and lions in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jaipur and other parks.
As per reports, Amit Mallick, Inspector General, NTCA was quoted saying, "As the Covid situation has improved across the country, the chief wildlife wardens may take a call to open the parks for tourists".
This decision will help in tapping the tourist economy as the states had witnessed shut down due to Covid and suffered loss of income.
While most of the states followed the earlier order to shut its safari destinations, Madhya Pradesh kept its safari operational in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pannah and Satpura and will close from June 30 as 'monsoon closure of parks in India' will come into effect.
Many states closed safari between July to September in 2020. But safaris in buffer zones in areas like Ranthambore, Corbett and Tadoba suburban areas continue during monsoon as well.
As per reports, Nitin Kakodkar, Principal Chief Conservator, Wildlife Maharashtra, said tourists can be allowed with Covid protocols in Pench and Melghat safari destinations.
Karnataka officials with Bannerghatta National Park are awaiting the nod from the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare to open the safari from Monday, a report stated.
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