Nagpur: In a strong response to an alarming violation of wildlife rules, the management of the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) has permanently banned a group of tourists who harassed a tigress and her five cubs during a jungle safari at Gothangaon in the Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS) on December 31, 2024. The tourists are now barred from entering PTR, UPKWS, and the Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR).
Dr. Prabhunath Shukla, Deputy Director of PTR, confirmed the action through a press release, revealing that the offenders have been identified and permanently blacklisted. Additionally, four Gypsy drivers and their associated nature guides, who failed to prevent the misbehaviour, have been suspended for three months. Penalties of ₹25,000 each have been imposed on the Gypsy drivers, while the nature guides have been fined ₹1,000 each for negligence.
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Wednesday 07 Jan. 2025
The incident occurred at the Gothangaon Tourist Gate in the Kuhi Wildlife Range of UPKWS. The tigress, identified as F2, was moving with her five cubs when the tourists obstructed her path with multiple safari vehicles, causing severe distress to the animals. This deliberate act, which violated sanctuary rules, has drawn widespread condemnation.
“The incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of eco-tourism regulations to protect wildlife and preserve the sanctuary’s ecological balance,” stated the press release.
To address the issue comprehensively, the PTR management has registered a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, against all individuals involved. Moreover, a committee, led by the Deputy Director of Bor Tiger Reserve, Wardha, has been formed to recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Increased patrolling along safari routes has been mandated, with field officers and staff instructed to remain vigilant. Additionally, special meetings and workshops are being organized for Gypsy drivers and nature guides to enhance their awareness and responsibility towards eco-tourism and wildlife conservation.
The action underscores the sanctuary’s commitment to maintaining its ecological integrity and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants against human interference.
State bans cell phones during jungle safari
To address the tourists’ misdeed during jungle safari in UPKWS recently, and to avoid crowding of safari vehicles on sighting tigers, the State Government has banned use of cell phones during jungle safari for tourists, nature guides and Gypsy drivers.
The restriction will take place in all tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra from January 7 onwards. All tourists, Gypsy drivers and nature guides must have to submit their mobile phones at the safari gates. The on-duty staff at safari gates will confirm the submission of mobile phones of every person who are entering the forest area for jungle safari. The nature guides should inform every tourist about Dos and Don’ts of jungle safari on the gate itself.
