Acting on the strong criticism by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) after a tigress was encircled by 150 tourists in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), the managements of various Tiger Reserves in Vidarbha have imposed ban on taking ‘U-turn’ and ‘reverse’ driving on safari tracks to avoid ‘overcrowding’ by tourists. Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS) and TATR management issued instructions to its staff in Core and Buffer areas to implement the preventive measures with immediate effect. On May 17, a tigress named Roma (T-114) was cornered by tourist vehicles on Khatoda-Tadoba road of Core area drew tremendous criticism on social media from wildlife lovers. NTCA went on to term it an example of ‘eco-terrorism’. An inquiry was initiated by TATR management, following which the services of 10 guides and 10 safari vehicles were also suspended for a month.

 

 

Earlier also, the TATR management took action against 136 Gypsy drivers and 140 guides in buffer zone for violation of rules. In core area, 30 drivers and 13 guides were fined and action was taken against them. In a recent development, all Tiger Reserves restricted taking U-turn and reverse driving while tiger sighting. “Cornering a tiger by tourists is a big concern. Normally tourists are after Gypsy drivers to take U-turn or reverse to get closer to a tiger whe sighted. It can impose threat to the tourists as well as to the big cat,” said Dr Prabhunath Shukla, Deputy Director, PTR while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’, adding, “To avoid such overcrowding while tiger sighting, we have decided to restrict U-turns and reverse driving during jungle safaris,” said Shukla. Some routes will be converted into one-way which will help to avoid cornering of tigers while sighting, which has become frequent during safaris, said Shukla. There are total 150 Gypsies plying in PTR in two shifts that is morning and evening daily. Seven gates are open in PTR where jungle safari is allowed.

 

 

“We have initiated the preventive measures in Umred Karhandala also where tiger sighting is high these days,” said Shukla. “Every tourist wants to witness tiger during safari. And, sometimes even the guides and drivers ignore safety rules.To avoid such cases, we have decided to take these preventive measures,” said the Deputy Director. To curb illegal activities by tourists during jungle safari, the PTR management is also going to impose fine for such acts.“We have instructed our guides and drivers also to avoid such activities which happened in TATR and also to be cautious during safari,” said Shukla. Similarly, the TATR management is going to conduct training workshop for guides and drivers during the monsoon period when the jungle safari is restricted.