Gypsy overturns in UPK wildlife sanctuary, registration suspended
   Date :29-Jan-2024

Gypsy overturns 
 
 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
 
 
A gypsy carrying tourists on a safari from Gothan gate in Umred-Paoni-Karhandla (UPK) wildlife sanctuary, overturned on Sunday morning, injuring the guide and driver. Stating that no tourist was injured, Forest Department suspended the registration of the said gypsy. The department also cautioned the guides and gypsy drivers that rash driving by them could result in termination of their registration. As per the initial details coming from different sources, the tourists in the gypsy also sustained minor injuries as the vehicle overturned. Some also believed that the gypsy driver tried to take the vehicle reverse near the lake as a tigress was coming from the opposite side. While doing so, the gypsy driver got off-track and the vehicle overturned.
 
Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director, Pench Tiger Reserve as well as UPK wildlife sanctuary and Bor Tiger Reserve, issued a statement on Sunday evening in this regard. According to him, tourists did not sustain injuries in the incident. However, he added, guide Naresh Gaymukhe sustained minor injury on his waist. Gypsy driver Amar Gajbhiye also underwent medical examination, after which he was given discharged. Shukla stated that the safari taken by the tourists was booked online. On Sunday morning, six tourists took a safari from the Gothangaon Tourism Gate of Kuhi range under UPK wildlife sanctuary. “Approximately 500 metres inside the gate, gypsy (MH-12/UF-9240) overturned while it was reversing,” he stated. The registration of the said gypsy has been suspended now, he added.
 
Immediately after the incident, Forest Department officials called a meeting of the guides and gyspsy drivers. The guides and drivers were cautioned against rash driving. Otherwise, they were warned, they would face termination of their registration. “More vigilance on the gyspsy routes, their speed, congregation at one single point, distance between vehicles, and counselling of tourists, guides and drivers is being taken by the departement,” Shukla said.