Tiger Reserves, sanctuaries closed till 31st
| Date :18-May-2020 |
Staff Reporter :
MADHYA Pradesh Forest Department released a notification to keep all national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries closed for tourists till May 31. The Department said further tourism activities will be permitted after analysing the situation of pandemic in India and with consent of the Government.
Forest officials said that tourism and entertainment activities in conserved and non-conserved both areas have been closed. Earlier, orders were released to keep tourism in forest areas closed till May 4 but after the Government extended lockdown period, Forest Department said to close all reserves and parks by May 17. Besides, the Forest Department has also asked for all safety measures to be taken for animals against the pandemic.
Chief Wildlife Warden Rajesh Shrivastav sought a detailed report of sanitisation, cleanliness and food being served to animals in housing. He has already asked all directors and zoo in-charge for precautionary measures in the wake of confirmation of corona virus in a tiger housed in Bronx Zoo, New York.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA) wrote to all chief wildlife warden regarding precautions after CZA said zoos in country are advised to remain on highest alertness watch animals on 24X7 basis using CCTV for any abnormal behaviours, symptoms, keepers not to be allowed in the vicinity without safety gear preferably personal protective equipment, isolate and quarantine sick animals and have least contact while providing feed to animals.