Early opening of Kaziranga to tourists irks conservationists

GUWAHATI: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has sought an explanation from the state forest department over its move to open Kaziranga National Park (KNP) for visitors one month ahead of schedule.

KNP was thrown open to visitors with fanfare and cultural extravaganza in the presence of forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma, agriculture minister Atul Bora and water resources minister Kesab Mahanta on October 2. Normally, the park remains open for tourists from November 1 to April. But since last year, the park is opening in October.

Soon after park authorities decided to open Kaziranga on October 2, the NTCA wrote to the forest department, seeking factual status. The NTCA also sought action taken on the letter it sent to the forest department last year when Kaziranga was opened on October 1.

The NTCA's last year's letter said, "While the tiger reserve authorities are doing necessary curative work for roads, bridges and other infrastructure, with the last phase of monsoon still underway, road repairing work is yet to be over. In spite of this, the park was thrown open to public. It has been observed that because of this unprecedented move, roads have been damaged, further compromising the safety and security of tourists visiting the area."

The letter said ecotourism is an 'interpretive' activity and advancing the opening time by amonth is detrimental both for tourists and wildlife.

Environment and RTI activist Rohit Choudhury said last year's NTCA letter is relevant because the opening of the park was advanced by almost a month. Choudhury said Kaziranga was opened despite strong objections. "It is going to set a bad precedent. The forest department should come clear on what criteria and basis did it open the park on October 2 and not on November 1. The authorities opened the park despite the fact that Kaziranga went through one of the worst deluge in three decades in August," said Choudhury.

Chief wildlife warden N K Vasu said it was a ceremonial opening of Kaziranga with only a limited area being permitted for visitors. "As things improve, more tourist routes will be opened," he added.