Violation of jungle rules continues in Pench
   Date :17-May-2019

 Gypsy vehicles making mess during jungle safari in Deolapar Forest
Range (Wildlife), Pench Tiger Reserve, disturbing peace/security of
wild animals.
 
Special Correspondent;
 
It has come to light that guides and Gypsy drivers are taking law in their hands during jungle safari in Deolapar Forest Range (Wildlife), Pench Tiger Reserve, with an idea to please the tourists and earn a fast buck. Despite repeated instructions being issued from time to time by the forest authorities concerned, unruly behaviour of Gypsy drivers in connivance with guides, continues unabeted. Cornering of animals, especially tiger, in situation when temperature is soaring may irritate the carnivore, retaliating in the process and causing injuries or even death.
 
Flouting guidelines extended by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), these Gypsy drivers and guides indulge in cornering the big cats, not maintaining distance of 50 mtrs in between two vehicles and waiting beyond the stipulated time at a particular spot in order to get a clear view and attractive pictures of the tiger, tigress or cubs at a waterhole or other spot. NTCA has already issued instructions not to make pictures and spots of tigers viral on social media. Amlendu Pathak, Deputy Director, Pench Tiger Reserve, issued a letter to the Range Forest Officer (RFO) recently, drawing his attention towards crowding of tiger-bearing spots and disturbing the carnivores.
 
The Gypsy drivers and guides are flouting the rules by moving together occupying the entire route in the process during jungle safari, not maintaining distance in between two vehicles and not stopping at a spot for 15 minutes.
 
He also sent a picture to the RFO which shows vehicles moving three abreast on the route to corroberate his statement. Pathak asked the RFO to hold a meeting of the drivers and guides immediately to enlighten them on the rules, guide them on NTCA norms and tourism policy of Maharashtra Government. He also asked the RFO to take stern action against drivers and guides, if found violating the guidelines/rules in the future. The RFO should also guide Foresters and Forest Guides under him about tourism rules in jungle, make them visit the tourism routes and take strict action against drivers/guides, if found flouting the rules.