By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 27 Aug: The Uttarakhand Forest Department and the Corbett Tiger Reserve administration have proposed resumption of full day safari at Corbett Tiger Reserve. In this regard the proposal now awaits government approval. The Corbett Tiger Reserve management forwarded a proposal to the state government for approval. If cleared by higher authorities, the much-anticipated safari experience could soon make a comeback.
It may be reminded here that, spanning nearly 1,318 square kilometres across Nainital district, Jim Corbett is India’s first national park and is globally renowned for its biodiversity, including an estimated population of 260 tigers, more than 1,100 elephants, rich avifauna, and a variety of other species. At present, the visitors are only permitted to take up morning and evening safaris of limited duration, leaving many yearning for more time to explore the forest and its wildlife.
It may be recalled that, until 2015, before online permit provisions were introduced, full-day safaris were conducted in certain zones of the park. The tourists as well as tour operators have since been pressing for the resumption of day long safaris. And they claim that extended tours not only enrich visitor satisfaction but also serve to boost revenue for the department.
Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Saket Badola has confirmed to the media that a proposal for limited-entry full-day safaris, in line with practices running successfully in several other tiger reserves in the country, has been submitted to the state government. He stated that the scheme will be implemented as soon as necessary approval is granted by the competent authority.
In the meantime, safari fees have already been hiked by the forest department by up to 20 per cent. Day safaris in Bijrani now cost approximately Rs 2,700, while entries to Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi and Garjiya are priced at Rs 3,000. Night-stay bookings in Dhikala have risen to Rs 7,250. It may be recalled that these developments are happening at a time when the CBI is currently probing allegations of extensive illegal tree felling and unauthorised constructions within the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The agency has sought permission from the state government to prosecute five officers in connection with offences involving a financial amount of around Rs 215 crores and the cutting of over 6,000 trees. It may also be significant to remind here that this scam was done in the name of creating a special tiger safari in Pakhro range of the Park.
It may also be reminded here that the Supreme Court has barred tiger safaris in the park’s core zones and has directed that permissible tourism be confined to buffer and peripheral areas. Any new arrangement, therefore, will have to comply strictly with these safeguards, ensuring minimal ecological impact while maximising conservation benefits.
Despite various challenges, Dhikala continues to attract travellers as the most sought-after zone for wildlife experiences, particularly for those who manage to secure night-stay bookings well in advance. Wildlife enthusiasts now hope that the revival of full-day safaris, if responsibly managed in conformity with ecological and legal frameworks, may soon provide a richer and more fulfilling experience at Jim Corbett National Park, which continues to be a premier eco-tourism destination.
