With the beginning of unlock 2.0, the eco tourism in tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in state which was closed for over three months in the backdrop of coron virus pandemic is now open for public. On Wednesday the eco tourism resumed in buffer zones of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR). On the first day of the reopening, around 52 tourists visited Buffer Zone for safari in TATR and 6 tourists visited PTR.
TATR is famous for tiger siting and after the long lockdown period it became the first choice among tiger lovers. The eco tourism was stopped from March 23 to prevent spread of corona virus infection. After evaluating various options, the decision to stop eco tourism to prevent coronavirus infection among wildlife was taken.
Now Central and State governments have relaxed lockdown to streamline economy in first phase of July. Accordingly, eco tourism in buffer zones of both tiger reserves from July 1 was taken. On opening day, tourists were given entry from 13 entry gates in TATR Buffer Zone. It was being felt that tourists will not come to TATR due to COVID 19 fear. But Safari lovers turned up in good numbers on first day.
Meanwhile, considering the currents scenario due to coronavirus, the forest authorities have issued some guidlines that is to be followed by the toriusts coming for safari in TATR and PTR. The forest department took care to ensure that both Gypsies and tourists going inside were properly disinfected. Wearing masks was made compulsory for tourists. They were also asked to take preventive measures strictly.
