To cope with weekend rush, private buses roped in for Gorewada safari

Nagpur: The ongoing festive season and vacations for kids has led to an increase in visitors at the Gorewada zoo safari, forcing authorities to rope in private buses to handle the load. This Saturday and Sunday, at least two private buses will join the existing fleet owned by Gorewada to ferry people in the safari zone.
Divisional manager Pramod Panchbhai, who oversees the Balasahebh Thackeray International Zoological Park, said, “I’m currently on leave so can’t tell you the tourist load for today, but yes on a trial basis we have got private buses on board just for the weekend. We have an existing fleet of five buses, which includes a canter. While our buses have a carrying capacity of 38 each, on weekends, there is a sharp increase in the number of visitors.”
An employee at the zoo, who did not wish to be identified, confirmed that weekends were indeed busy. “We are turning back visitors, it’s that busy. It’s probably to do with the Diwali vacations as many people would have relatives visiting them. So the best place to go with family is of course the safari. Today, we have a big bus and Temo Traveller which accommodates around 15-20 people brought in through a private contractor,” said the employee.
Officials say increase in the number of visitors in Gorewada does not breach any ‘carrying capacity’ rule. Panchbhai said, “This is a zoo. So, unlike TATR or Pench, we do not have any cap on visitors. Our infrastructure is more than well equipped to handle around a thousand visitors per day.”
However, some employees did raise a concern over safety issues with private buses. “These buses have windows that can be opened, and that’s unsafe in the carnivore section. The Tempo Traveller is like a mini bus, so its windows are more easily accessible to animals. Our fear is that some eager visitor may open the window for a better photograph and risk his life,” said the employee.
Panchbhai says that while the concern is genuine, it won’t be a factor at Gorewada. “Each bus has a guide, so visitors are monitored. Our staff will ensure complete compliance with all safety norms before the safari starts,” said Panchbhai.