Buffer tourism opens but tourists can’t cross dist border

Nagpur: Even as wildlife tourism in buffer zone of Tadoba starts from Wednesday, confusion prevails among tourists from other districts whether to go for safari or not as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have been extended till July 31.
Tadoba has started tourism from all 13 gates in the buffer at Kolara, Navegaon, Agarzari, Dewada, Mamla, Zarim, Doni, Madnapur, Sirkada, Alizanja and other gates with 12 vehicles in both shifts.
ENT surgeon Dr Naresh Agrawal, who is keen on visiting Tadoba buffer with family, said, “The state has extended lockdown which continues restriction on inter-district travel. Even if we obtain an e-pass, there is no column about tourism in it. The e-pass makes a mention about medical emergencies and health only.”
“Secondly, there is no proof that we are heading towards Tadoba as there is no online booking. The park managements should coordinate with district authorities to see that tourism is included as reason for travelling,” said Dr Agrawal.
LAC member with Pench (MP) Sandeep Singh says, “Even if I make a plan, resorts will continue to remain closed and if accommodation is not available, there is no point in travelling. Restaurants will also remain closed and hence getting food will also be an issue. In MP, the tourism in core area went well due to coordination between district and wildlife officials.”
One of the stakeholders from Tadoba, Nikhil Abhyankar, said, “The park management opened buffer areas for tourism but state did not allow resorts in the vicinity to open. This will hamper tourists’ inflow. Many tourists who had planned a visit are dejected and have cancelled their plans.”
“Restrictions will not help purpose of providing livelihood to guides and Gypsy owners. Tadoba buffer is in demand throughout the year owing to good tiger sightings. We had already started preparations by sanitizing property and had also bought necessary equipment,” Abhyankar said.
“Owing to travel restrictions, only two parties visited Tipeshwar wildlife sanctuary in Yavatmal since June 19, when the park opened,” admits Melghat field director MS Reddy.
Yavatmal SP M Rajkumar says, “It is true due to restrictions, tourism failed to pick up. There should be a column on tourism in the e-pass.”
Even Chandrapur district collector Kunal Khemnar admits there is an issue. “We can impose more regulations but cannot relax them. I will talk to field director on the issue,” he said.
Pench field director Ravikiran Govekar said, “All bookings will be available offline at entry gates. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory. Tourists will be thermal scanned. At Surewani gate, SUVs will be allowed apart from Gypsys.”
Pench Buffer Opens
* Nagalwadi-Surewani-Saleghat (25km): 6 vehicles (Monday closed)
* Khapa-Zinjeria (Paoni): 18km: (Wednesday closed)
* Karhandla-Ranbodi-Pandhragota: 24km (Monday closed)
* Timings: 6.30 am to 10.30 am & 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
* Fee: Monday-Friday (Rs 750 entry), Guide (Rs 350) & Gypsy (Rs 2000)
* Fee: Saturday-Sunday (Rs 1,000)
ENDS