All the six tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh have been closed for three months in light of Monsoon period. Buffer areas of reserves will remain open for tourist during this Monsoon period. Only core areas of the reserves have been closed for the tourists from July 1 to September 30. Alok Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) MP Forest said, “Core areas of all tiger reserves have been closed till September 30. Buffer zone will remain open in a restricted manner.” He further said this is breeding season for wildlife and infrastructure would be repaired for reopening. He said, “Every year tiger reserves and forest areas get closed for visitors.

 

Closure of reserves for three months provide privacy to the wildlife and also avoid man-animal conflict. Visiting core area of tiger reserves during Monsoon is very risky for human being as it increases the chance of man-animal conflict.” After closing the park, patrolling has been increased in all reserves and parks to ensure safety of wildlife. Special patrolling team has been assigned in Kanha, Panna, Bandhavgarh, Pench and other reserve of state to keep an eye on poachers. Officials said, “Taking advantage of the situation; poachers become active in forest areas.” To ensure the safety of wildlife, combing patrolling is being done in tiger reserve to check any kind of suspect.

 

From security guard to field officers, everyone have their roster plan to patrol in the jungle. Besides, additional CCTV has been installed inside jungle to keep an eye on illegal activities. Monsoon patrolling is specially designed for all tiger reserves to protect the forest as well as wildlife. Though buffer zones are open for tourist, core areas will reopen from October 1. The Government has allowed to keep the buffer zone open even during Monsoon to compensate the loss of people held due to the pandemic.