In a move aimed at restoring order and transparency in safari operations, the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has introduced stringent, non-negotiable guidelines for Management Quota safaris, effectively putting an end to VIP pressure, last-minute lobbying and informal requests.
The revised guidelines, issued by Dr Prabhu Nath Shukla, Conservator of Forests and Field Director of TATR, come amid growing operational difficulties caused by frequent recommendations from influential individuals and sudden safari demands routed through unofficial channels such as WhatsApp messages and personal phone calls. Officials said the system had become increasingly difficult to manage, particularly with 22 entry gates spread across the reserve, many of which lack reliable internet connectivity.
According to forest officials, requests forwarded through Ministers, MPs, MLAs, judges and other dignitaries often reached authorities at the last moment, accompanied by demands for specific gates, immediate approvals and preferential treatment, placing undue pressure on field staff. Under the new rules, all such practices have been categorically disallowed.
TATR has made it clear that only applications submitted in the prescribed format or on official letterheads will be considered. Requests sent through WhatsApp, text messages or personal communications will not be entertained under any circumstances. All applications must reach the Field Director’s office by 3 pm on the previous day, and any request received after the deadline will be rejected. Same-day permissions under the Management Quota have been completely prohibited.
The authorities also clarified that the limited number of vehicles available under the quota means not all requests can be accommodated. In a major tightening of norms, business operators, agents, resort owners and commercial photographers have been barred from applying. Each application will be permitted only one vehicle, group bookings have been disallowed, and entry into the core area will be strictly regulated.
Visitors availing the Management Quota safari will be required to carry Aadhaar or valid photo identification and pay safari fees only at designated entry gates, preferably through online mode. Advance or delayed payments will not be permitted. To minimise disturbance inside the forest, the use of mobile phones during safari hours has also been strictly prohibited for Management Quota vehicles.
TATR has further warned against attempts to directly influence officials, stating that requests sent to personal mobile numbers or private email IDs will be ignored. Only official helplines and the designated email address will be recognised for communication.
Forest officials emphasised that the measures are aimed not at restricting access, but at ensuring fairness, transparency and protection of Tadoba’s fragile ecosystem. They reiterated that safari operations will now be governed strictly by rules, with no scope for influence or privilege.
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