NAGPUR: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has warned Gypsy drivers and guides for chewing kharra, a mixture of nut extract called areca and tobacco, inside the tiger reserve and buffer zone during the safari.
There have been several complaints from visitors about guides and drivers consuming kharra during safari. “It is not only a health hazard but also embarrassing for tourists who come from faraway places and are sick of guides and drivers spitting after chewing kharra and openly spitting inside the park,” said Jitendra Ramgaokar, conservator of forests (CF) & field director.
“Last week, I held a meeting of Gypsy owners, drivers, and guides at Mohurli and issued a warning that guides will be suspended and registration of safari vehicles will be cancelled if they were found consuming kharra,” said Ramgaokar.
Recently, Revati Sule, daughter of NCP MP Supriya Sule, who was on a visit to Tadoba, too had pointed out the bad habit of guides and drivers to Ramgaonkar. This is a serious issue as the kharra is packed in plastic and chances of it being mistakenly dropped inside the park cannot be ruled out.
A section of tourists, who did not want to be quoted, said, “It is not only the guides and drivers alone consuming kharra inside the park but also many tourists. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, most of the visitors to Tadoba are from Vidarbha, which has got the dubious distinction of kharra capital of the country. Even tourists carry it and some fine should be imposed on them if caught carrying or chewing it.”
A section of resort owners admits the plastic menace is a big issue in the buffer zone as the area is used by both wild animals and local villagers. Recently, there were a couple of pictures from Tadoba’s buffer zone going viral over the social media with a tiger holding a plastic bottle and a sambar deer with plastic carry bag in their mouth.
Dr Kartikeya Chaturvedi, a regular tourist to Tadoba, welcomed the move. “The park management has raised a very valid issue. Other tiger reserves, sanctuaries and national parks in the state should also implement it. However, it is not only the guides and drivers, even forest staff and van majors carry kharra with them inside the park. They even share it with each other. Any action should be the same for all if found violating norms.”