Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig):
In recent days, the Tadoba administration has shown a significant commitment to promoting tourism in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. This is a very positive development, as focusing on tourism is crucial for the area’s growth and sustainability. The Tadoba administration is striving to adhere to NTCA guidelines.
Wildlife enthusiast Tejal Pohekar expressed to the Van Samachar representative that in recent years, the term “ecotourism” has become increasingly popular as more people seek to travel sustainably and in an environmentally-friendly manner. Ecotourism involves visiting natural areas to learn about the environment, support conservation efforts, and minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem. However, there is a dark side to this trend that often goes unnoticed – eco-terrorism.
Recently, a photo of a tigress named Roma (T-114) being surrounded by over 100 tourists, drivers, and guides in several safari gypsy vehicles on the Khatoda-Tadoba road went viral.
In response, the Tadoba administration took firm action, suspending eight guides and drivers for a month and permanently banning one driver.
The Tadoba administration has recently suspended two safari jeeps and their drivers for a month due to over speeding.
As a result, the guides, gypsy owners and drivers working in Tadoba are worried. This is the last month of the Tadoba core safari season, after which the core area remains closed for three months during the monsoon. And it was also the last month to earn money and the suspension is creating a problem at home about how they will spend the next three months.
According to the guidelines for the Eco-Sensitive Zone, no homestays or resorts can be constructed within three kilometers of the Tadoba core area, and no construction activity is allowed within one kilometer. Despite this, construction is still happening, and wildlife enthusiasts have expressed to the van samachar representative (Mohammad Suleman Baig) that the Tadoba administration needs to pay serious attention to this issue.
