To revive tourism again, the decision of reopening the world-famous Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has been shifted earlier this year. Amid the coronavirus, the pandemic had to remain closed in the mid-session that falls in June due to the nationwide lockdown.
The tiger reserve is scheduled to reopen on November 1.
Field Director, DTR Sanjay Kumar Pathak said, “Strict Covid protocols for the tourists as well as those visiting DTR have been imposed this season starting November 1. Any violation of the protocol would be taken seriously.”
The tiger reserve officials said, “Normally, the tourist season in Dudhwa starts on November 15 and concludes on June 15 every year. Due to the unprecedented situation following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Dudhwa had to be closed mid-session on March 22 during the last tourist season. The routine tourist season last year had also remained disturbed due to heavy rains and waterlogged corridors. This had affected the revenue of the park, though the almost zero tourist activities helped wild animals to reclaim their territories and rights without any hindrance.”
“Only those tourists clearing thermal scanning and having no symptoms of Covid-19 infection would be provided entry into the park premises. Every person entering the DTR, whether they are tourists, guides or visitors, would have to put on masks all time,” Pathak said.
He added any visitor found violating the guidelines will be fined. According to the Covid-19 guidelines of the UP government, tourists in the age group of 11 to 64 years would be allowed into the national park, but that entry of tourists below 10 years and above 65, those with co-morbidities and pregnant women would remain restricted.
Only two of the tourists visiting the national park will be allowed to stay in the Dudhwa hut, which would be sanitized daily and tourists will have to bear the expenses.
Pathak said, “To maintain social distancing, elephant climbing would remain banned this season while in the Jungle Safari vehicle, only four tourists excluding the driver and the guide would be allowed to ride.”
Walking during the jungle safari will be prohibited and tourists will not be permitted to step out of their vehicles during jungle safari. Tourists vehicles would be sanitized before and after every trip.
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Pathak has requested the tourists to follow and maintain the rules for their safety as well as that of the wildlife. Following COVID-19 behaviour, protocols are also mandatory.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) comprising Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Sanctuary and Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, one-horned rhinos, swamp deer, barking deer, spotted deer, crocodiles, wild elephants, over 400 avian species, mammals, reptiles, etc. Its natural flora and fauna, undisturbed water-bodies, grasslands, sal forests attract tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and researchers every year.