Ranthambore bans 95 safari vehicles for speeding; 15 more barred over inactive GPS, 21 warned

Jaipur: The tourism wing of Ranthambore National Park has barred 95 safari vehicles from entering the park after finding them in violation of the prescribed speed limit, and issued warnings to another 21 vehicles for first-time speed violations. A separate set of 15 safari vehicles has also been kept out of the park for operating without an active GPS unit.

According to park officials, Ranthambore’s Deputy Conservator of Forests (Tourism) Sanjeev Sharma carried out speed checks on safari vehicles inside the park between March 12 and April 7. During this period, 95 vehicles were found moving faster than the 40 kilometre-per-hour limit fixed for safari operations and have been restricted from entering the park until further orders. A fine has also been imposed on the offending vehicles.

The 21 vehicles caught over-speeding for the first time have been let off with a warning. The 15 vehicles pulled up for inactive GPS systems will remain barred from entering the park until their GPS units are made functional.

Forest officials said the crackdown has been prompted by concerns over the safety of tourists inside the park as well as protection of wildlife, which is put at risk when safari vehicles move faster than the prescribed speed. The department has warned all safari operators and drivers to strictly follow departmental rules during safaris.

Officials added that any vehicle found breaking the rules more than once in future will face sterner action, including blacklisting and cancellation of its safari registration.