Greens worried over ‘more’ safari trips in Nagarahole, Bhadra tiger reserves

Hubballi: To meet the growing demand at the safari zones in Nagarahole and Bhadra Tiger Reserves, the forest department has increased the number of trips inside the game zone by reducing the safari time from June 1. The department says that it has rationalised the entry and camera fees at these two tiger reserves. 

While the visitors are welcoming the move as more people are getting a chance to visit the parks, activists question the decision as it would adversely impact the carrying capacity at these safari zones after allowing a higher number of vehicles for an additional one hour. Earlier, only one batch was allowed for safari spanning three hours. Now two batches of two hours each are allowed.

New timings are applicable only to the government-operated buses and jeeps. The vehicles operated by Jungle Lodges and Resorts will continue to enjoy safari for three hours at a stretch.

According to orders issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subhash K Malkhede, the safari time has been regulated from three hours to two hours at all the three entry points – Kabini, Veeranahosahalli Gate and Nanachi Gate - of Nagarhole.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve too will have two batches of visitors entering the safari zones from Lakkavalli gate in morning and evening. The entry fee has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 600.  

The department has also decided to rationalise the camera charges by collecting fee from only those photographers using zooming lenses beyond 200-mm capacity. A 200-mm to 500-mm lens will be charged Rs 1,000 and beyond 500-mm lens will attract Rs 1,500, as it used to be earlier.

“Several of safari zones in Nagarahole and Bhadra were witnessing heavy rush and people used to return disappointed as they could not visit the park. New system has been put in place to ensure more visitors get a chance to visit the forest,” said Malkhede.

He said that based on the recommendations and presentations from other tiger reserve officials, a decision will be taken to hike entry fee or change in timings.   

While Kali Tiger Reserve field director is preparing a proposal for similar entry fee hike, Bandipur tiger reserve field director says he has not sent any such proposal.

Wildlife activist Joseph Hoover says in the efforts to please tourists the department should not breach the carrying capacity threshold of these tiger reserves. “The additional trip means more number of vehicles will enter the game area and spend one extra hour. We have to take into consideration the impact this would have on wild animals,” he says.