The issue of tourism management in tiger reserves and regular monitoring of forest department in the park is a major concern for governments. Minor day-to-day issues, like the recent fight between tour operators and forest department at Ranthambhore, which resulted in hassles to tourists, have to be sorted out in time.
The state government, looking to avert such situations and enable smooth functioning of the wildlife parks, while keeping a check on the illegal tourism practices has decided to set up panels that will oversee the problems affecting the parks and recommend solutions.
Interestingly, it appears that even while the Code of Conduct was in effect, the previous government had issued orders to form the committees. The same panels have now be reconstituted.
“The committees have been formed for the three tiger reserves of the state: Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Reserve and the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve,” an official of the forest department said of the development.
In each of the committee, administrative officials at senior posts like Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Field Director, deputy Conservator of Forests, and stakeholders such as the Honorary Wildlife Wardens, Assistant Director Tourism, officials from Social Justice and Empowerment department, members from Local panchayat, wildlife scientists, representative of tourism sector, local conservationists and representatives of Civil society institutions have been nominated, officials added.
The committees have been tasked with reviewing the tourism strategy and making recommendations to the state government. Moreover, these panels will also ensure computation of reserve-specific carrying tourist capacity and its implementation through periodic reviews.
“The Committees will ensure that the buildings and infrastructure in areas inside and close to tiger reserves are of specific norms keeping in view the corridor value and ecological aesthetics,” an official in know of the matter told DNA.
The committees will also advise the Local Self Government bodies and the state government on issues related to developing tourism in and around the tiger reserves, while also monitoring all tourism facilities at points such as environmental clearance, area of coverage, ownership among others,” officials added.
The committees come at a time when reports of mismanagement at the sanctuaries have surfaced recently. In a tragic incident last year, one of the tigers in Sariska reserve was hunted down by poachers exposing the safety of the cats in the park that was once wiped clean of the tigers by poachers.
In another unfortunate episode at Ranthambhore national park, a woman who had ventured into the park was eaten alive by a tiger who was roaming his territory.
Role Of Panels
The Committees set up for the parks will ensure that the buildings and infrastructure in areas inside and close to tiger reserves are of specific norms keeping in view the corridor value and ecological aesthetics, an official in know of the matter told DNA.
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