Nagpur: Even as restrictions on the number of tourists have been eased in wildlife parks under Pench and Bor tiger reserves, there are still hiccups as children below 10 years and tourists above 65 years of age are not being allowed to enter the parks.
From February 1, the district collector, who is also the chairman of the disaster management authority, eased restriction on the number of tourists in Bor, and Umred-Karhandla and Mansinghdeo sanctuaries from four to six.
However, tourists above 65 years of age are unable to make online bookings as the official website displays a message asking to put the age between 10 and 65 years. This clearly means those below 10 years and above 65 are not allowed.
“Contrarily, these restrictions are not in force in wildlife parks in Chandrapur, Yavatmal, and Amravati districts. It is really ridiculous. One has to lie by putting 65 years as the age, even if the tourist is older than that. We cannot take a chance because if proved wrong, it will be really embarrassing. Why this injustice to senior citizens?” said Vijay Verma, a regular visitor to wildlife parks.
Officials handling online bookings said, “The district collector order lacks clarity and it doesn’t make any mention of tourists below 10 years and those above 65 years. We can make changes if the field director tells us. The Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) is still continuing with the four tourists norm.”
Pench chief conservator of forests (CCF) and field director Ravikiran Govekar said, “I will look into the problem.”
Verma said, “The tourist restrictions are there despite the state government throwing all establishments like hotels, lodges, food courts, theatres, malls, beer bars, coaching classes, schools, colleges etc open.”
Based on the prevailing state government orders, the PCCF (wildlife) on October 21, 2020, had allowed children below 10 years of age for safari if they are with family members. However, the same is not applicable in parks under Pench. The decision on tourists above 65 years was left open, depending on the Covid-19 situation.