Confusion prevails over closure of full-day and half-day tiger safari at Ranthambore

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government is planning to close the full-day and half-day tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park. Principal Secretary Shikhar Aggarwal confirmed this in a social media post recently.

However, the wildlife department of the state government and Ranthambore National Park authorities are yet to receive an order in this regard. They said that they received the information about the government’s decision to discontinue full-day and half-day tiger safari at Ranthambore from social media posts and TV channel reports, but there is no formal communication in this regard.

While the news has caused a stir in the local hotel industry that makes money indirectly from the full and half-day safaris, the wildlife lovers and activities have welcomed the decision.

Principal Secretary Shikhar Aggarwal wrote on his Facebook page that in the larger interest of wildlife, the state government has decided to stop half-day and full-day safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Mukesh Meena, a wildlife activist said that it is a commendable step of the government. “Full-day and half-day tiger safari are adversely affecting the wildlife of Ranthambore, especially the lifestyle of tigers,” Meena said.

Sangram Singh, Deputy Forest Conservation, Ranthambore, however, told media persons that no such order has been received. “An action will be taken as per the order received from the state government,” he said.