‘Banning private cars in Karhandla, Sillari must not be an exercise in regulation’

Nagpur: The decision to ban private jeeps and cars for jungle safaris in Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UKWS) and Sillari in Pench has evoked mixed reactions, with most of the conservationists welcoming it but also sounding a note of caution that making Gypsys mandatory should not become an exercise in regulating tourism.
From July 1, no private cars will be allowed for safari in Umred-Karhandla and Sillari.The move aims to provide livelihood to local people, who have procured Gypsys looking at the tourism boost at both Sillari and Karhandla.
“If you look at the evidence, nuisance of overcrowding in private cars is more. This happens with people who are educated and rich. Bringing Gypsys is a good step to reign in rowdy tourism. It is also good from conservation and livelihood point of view. Till now, private vehicles were allowed because of non-availability of Gypsys,” says Satish Pradhan, governing council member, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Satpuda Foundation chief Kishor Rithe too hailed the move. “The hiked gate fee will go to Pench Foundation for welfare of locals. Karhandla and Pench have already achieved fame with celebrities coming here, thus increasing tourists inflow. Regular tiger sightings have made the park nothing less than Tadoba. More revenue would mean improvement of local villages.” Rithe also said private vehicles create a nuisance and Gypsys will help curb the menace. “As it is, people don’t understand the value of safaris when they come cheap,” he said.
Central India head of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) Prafulla Bhamburkar says tourist flow can be best controlled with Canter buses, rather than by banning private vehicles. “It will be a costly affair for small middle-class families. Instead, heavy fine should be imposed on unruly tourists,” said Bhamburkar.
State wildlife board member Bandu Dhotre says when carrying capacity is exceeded problems crop up. “The ban should have been implemented in a phased manner. If tourism goes out of the bounds of common man, how would they support conservation?” asked Dhotre.
Suresh Chopne, member of Regional Environment Committee (REC), too agrees that hiked gate fee and the cost of Gypsy safari will not be affordable to all. “Tadoba, despite being an old park, still allows private vehicles by charging Rs1,000 extra. Canters should be introduced from Karhandla and Gothangaon gate to cater to middle-class tourists,” Chopne felt.
Honorary wildlife warden Roheet Karoo feels introducing Gypsys is a good move, “A groups of six persons can easily share Rs300 per head from the Rs1,800 charged for a safari. It will not matter much.” However, Karoo says instead of putting entire blame on tourists for the mess created by private vehicles, staff too needs orientation and training.
“There have been occasions when staff movement in the park for field work clashes with tourism timings. This leads to commotion. Staff at times is harsh with guides and tourists, which leads to frequent fights,” says Karoo. “When you are increasing fees, where are the requisite facilities. There are no toilets for women, waiting hall, food joints, and accommodation. Proper infrastructure needs to be developed before going for a hike,” he said.
OUR TAKE
It’s a good move as private vehicles are involved in all sorts of violations. Gypsies are perfect vehicles for wildlife safari and will also give livelihood to locals but at the same time will deprive safaris for middle class. Now guides and drivers will be under control of forest officials and hence will have to enforce discipline. However, gate fee hike is unjustified as there are no basic facilities for tourists at gates
Ajit Kulkarni | Wildlife photographer
Gypsy will increase tourism cost and safari will be out of bounds for many now. Banning private vehicles is not a permanent solution. For a handful of rowdy tourists, others should not suffer. Private vehicles creating nuisance should be taken out. If a train accident occurs, you cannot stop operating all trains
Ashish Khade | Wildlife enthusiast
This is not at all justified. First develop basic facilities for tourists at the gates and then think of local welfare, because their survival depends on tourists only. Everybody talks of local and parks interest but nobody thinks about tourists who pay through their nose to take a safari
Robin Sonkar | Cable operator
It’s a very good decision. Banning private vehicles is good for regulating rowdy tourism and will also benefit locals as well. Most of the chaos is always created by private vehicles only. Same thing happened in Tadoba earlier but gypsies are working well
Varun Thakkar | Wildlife enthusiast
The reason that private vehicles only cause disturbance is not acceptable. Few months ago local gypsy driver was driving recklessly on Karhandla road resulting in accident in which he suffered injuries. There is no guarantee that gypsy driver is safe. They violate speed limits for tigers. Tourism will be unaffordable for many visitors from Nagpur and local areas too. Rowdy tourists can be controlled by monitoring
Manish Chate | Wildlife lover
Tourism has already become expensive. Ban on private cars will increase tourism cost. Umred-Karhandla has short tourism routes and Rs1,800 per safari is too costly. It should be not beyond Rs1,200
Sagar Gabhane | City chief, Eco-Pro
It is a good move but park’s entry fee and gypsy rates should be reasonable and fair. Gypsies will encourage discipline and will definitely curb violations. It will also create regular employment and development of locals villagers
Niraj Pande | Student
This is a heartening move and progressive step towards conserving wildlife. Prohibiting private vehicles from entering the forest will help protect the environment in its immaculate form. This is imperative to sustainable development. The cost of per jungle safari will escalate and the tourism industry may witness an increase in its income. Jungle safaris won’t reduce substantially as people really enjoy riding in hired vehicles since it exposes them to the freshness of the forest atmosphere
Ashwini Purohit | Lecturer
I think banning private vehicles will have some good as well as bad effects. On one hand it will help regulate behaviour of people, but on the other it will make safari expensive for common man. Especially, bigger 10-12 seater vehicles need to be banned
Dr Ila Kulkarni | Physician
Certainly, it is a good decision but Rs1,800 for gypsy in Umred-Karhandla is at a very higher side. Considering shorter tourist routes, it should not be more than Rs1,200. So hiked gate fee and less charge for gypsy will go well. Private vehicles need to be banned completely
Vijay Kamat | CA