Nagpur: In response to intense criticism from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) following a disturbing incident in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), tiger reserves across Vidarbha have introduced strict measures to prevent overcrowding by tourists. This move comes after a tigress, Roma (T-114), was surrounded by approximately 150 tourists on May 17, leading to widespread condemnation on social media and being labelled as an instance of ‘eco-terrorism’ by the NTCA.
To address these concerns, the management of TATR, along with Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) and Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS), have banned U-turns and reverse driving on safari tracks. This policy aims to reduce the possibility of tourists congregating in large numbers, which can distress wildlife.
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Friday 22 Nov. 2024
Effective immediately, staff in both Core and Buffer areas of these reserves have been instructed to enforce these new regulations rigorously. The incident on the Katoda-Tadoba road, where Roma was trapped by tourist vehicles, prompted an internal inquiry by TATR management. Consequently, the services of ten guides and ten safari vehicles have been suspended for a month as a punitive measure.
This is not the first instance of such actions by TATR management. Previously, 136 Gypsy drivers and 140 guides in the buffer zone, as well as 30 drivers and 13 guides in the core area, faced penalties and disciplinary measures for various rule violations. The latest restrictions on U-turns and reverse driving during tiger sightings represent a continued effort to enhance wildlife protection and ensure the safety of both animals and tourists.
The new directives reflect a commitment to addressing the issues of overcrowding and ensuring that such incidents do not recur, thereby preserving the natural habitat and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts in Vidarbha’s tiger reserves.
