All Tiger Reserves, National Parks Closed For Monsoon ; Patrolling Teams Formed To Check Poaching

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The core areas of all tiger reserves and national parks will remain closed from Tuesday onwards for the duration of the monsoon season.

During this period, the forest officials will conduct intensive patrolling in the tiger reserves to check the threat posed by poachers and take extra measures to ensure the safety of wild animals.

Additional principal chief conservator of forests wildlife, L Krishnamurthy, stated that the tiger reserves and national parks will be closed starting Tuesday for the entire monsoon season.

Monday was the last day for tourists to enjoy safaris in the core areas, there was a huge rush at the reserves and parks. Compared to any regular day, the reserves witnessed record footfall from tourists.

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A forest officer from Sanjay Tiger Reserve said that the monsoon season brings with it guhe challenges. Preventing poachers from infiltrating the forests becomes a massive task during monsoon as the muddy terrain makes it easier for them to hunt herbivores that cannot run fast. Hence, patrolling is intensified during the rains.

“As per the guidelines, we have constituted four patrolling teams which include a foot patrolling team, on elephants, by bikes and in vehicles,” the officer said.

Elephants are engaged for patrolling to reach areas which become inaccessible due to rains. Compared to other seasons,  the monsoon brings huge challenges to the forest department as swollen rivers, overflowing nullahs and heavy rains make patrolling difficult.

Last year during the monsoon, poachers shot dead a tiger near Ratapani sanctuary using modern firearms. The case remains unsolved and continues to be a hard nut to crack for the forest officials.