Pench fines unruly tourists

Nagpur: It seems that there is a dire need for sensitization of tourists too who go on forest safaris. Some unruly tourists found violating rules were recently taken to task by the management of Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. In the morning safari on Sunday, a Jalgaon based tourist switched vehicles to get a better photograph of tiger Prince. Guides who saw the incident said the tiger was hardly two feet away when the tourist got down from his vehicle.“He went to sit in the tourist Gypsy behind his own vehicle. It was a very risky move as the tiger could have charged at him,” said a guide.
Range Forest officer (RFO) of East Pench Atul Deokar said action was taken after some guides complained about the violation. “The tourist too accepted his fault and was slapped a fine of Rs3,000,” he added.
In similar breach, a Nagpur-based tourist was fined for getting down from his vehicle. “We saw two tourists on foot taking photographs at the open area near backwaters of dam. A forest guard immediately noted their vehicle number and reported the same at the gate,” said a tourist Pravin Chichmalkar. Deokar said these tourists were imposed a fine of Rs1,000 each.
TOI also learnt from some guides that Ambakhori, where tourists were allowed to get down and walk up to the waterfall, has been closed due to presence of a tigress and cubs there. “Tourists are not allowed to walk since last three-four days. Anyway, the area is running dry,” said a guide.