Ramnagar: In a bid to promote eco-tourism in the state, the Uttarakhand Forest department is set to introduce a new tiger safari zone in Ramnagar area. This initiative aims to offer wildlife enthusiasts new opportunities to watch big cats.
This move follows the highly successful launch of tiger safaris in the Phato and Hathi Dagar areas over the past two years, which received an overwhelming response. According to department officials, the proposed zone in the Tarai West Forest Division, adjacent to Corbett Tiger Reserve, is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
This area is rich in biodiversity with population of tigers, elephants, bears and leopards
The new tiger safari zone will be situated in the Chandni Eco Tourism Zone of Bail Padav. Up to 30 vehicles can enter each morning and evening, allowing visitors to see tigers and other wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, and bears. This biodiversity-rich area spans 30 kilometers. DFO Prakash Arya of the Terai Western Forest Division explains that visitors will be able to complete their safari in two and a half to three hours. The permit, including the tiger safari fee, will cost approximately Rs. 1650.
Forest headquarters has proposed an Rs. 80 lakh budgets to create facilities
Before opening the new safari zone, infrastructure including gates, booking counters, parking, and toilet facilities will be developed. The forest headquarters has proposed an Rs. 80 lakh budget to create these facilities, and other alternative funding sources are also being considered.
Tiger safaris in Phato and Hathi Dagar received good response
The Tiger Safari launched in Phato and Hathi Dagar within the Terai West Forest Division, adjacent to Corbett Tiger Reserve, has seen great success over the past two years. Building on this success, preparations are underway to establish a new Tiger Safari Zone in the same division.
The new safari zone is set to open next month
The opening of this new zone will offer another opportunity for people to see tigers. It will also create both direct and indirect employment opportunities. If no technical issues arise, the new safari zone is set to open next month. The development of additional facilities will continue in phases. Vehicle owners, drivers, nature guides, and self-help groups will all benefit from the employment generated.
