State wildlife parks may reopen from Oct 1

Nagpur: The wildlife wing of the state forest department is considering opening Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and other wildlife parks in the state from October 1. This will be 15 days ahead of usual October 16, when parks reopen after monsoon.

The move seems to be pushed by neighbouring Madhya Pradesh where tiger reserves like Pench, Kanha and other sanctuaries and national parks are reopening from October 1. MP Pench chief conservator of forests (CCF) & field director Subharanjan Sen said, "We are opening the park with very limited routes. Only main roads will be opened as many roads are in a bad shape due to late rains and we need time to repair them."

Kanha CCF & field director Sanjay Shukla said only two zones — Kisli and Mukki — will reopen from October 1. "Other two zones - Sarai and Kanha - have breeding population of Barasinghas and these will remain closed till October 15. Only roads that are accesible will be open," he said.

Maharashtra principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) AK Misra said, "We are considering reopening Tadoba from October 1. I have sought views of the field director and will take final decision based on that. If Tadoba reopens, other parks will also be opened the same day for roads that are motorable."

Since 2011, Tadoba was the only park in the country where tourism was allowed even in monsoon on 50km route from Moharli-Pandharpaoni-Navegaon. After National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) objected and linked it with approval to Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP), it remained closed in monsoon this year.

Forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar tried to push the matter with the Centre . However, considering Supreme Court directions, he couldn't do much to reopen the park. A PIL against excessive tourism in Tadoba is already being heard in Nagpur Bench of High Court. PCCF Misra denied there was any pressure for reopening Tadoba. "My contention is that when other reserves are opening from October 1, why can't we," he asked.

A section of tourists and resort owners favoured the idea. "Tadoba has a lot of stake with employment to locals and business for resorts. If not all, at least the road till Pandharpaoni can be opened," said wildlife photographer Sarosh Lodhi.

Ranjit Mandal, manager of Svasara resort at Kolara gate, said, "Because of scanty rain this year, roads from Kolara can be operated with minor repairs. When all parks are reopening from October 1, why should Tadoba remain closed. Anticipating a positive decision, there are inquiries for resort bookings."

Yet, Tadoba officials seem not prepared. They want time to repair roads and registration of Gypsys. More rains are predicted in October and they are also cautious over PIL pending in the high court.