In a bid to curb noise and air pollution caused by motor vehicles at the park, authorities have started offering eco-friendly rides on these two-wheelers to visitors
In a bid to curb noise and air pollution caused by motor vehicles at the park, authorities have started offering eco-friendly rides on these two-wheelers to visitors
Your next visit to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is sure to be adventurous as well as environment friendly.
In order to reduce the levels of noise and air pollution caused by motorised vehicles in the 104-sq km park, officials have started a bicycle rental program within its premises. So visitors can now cycle their way to health as they enjoy the breathtaking views offered by the park.u00a0
Nature on wheels: Presently, 40 cycles are available on rent at a
deposit of Rs 200. For the first two hours, the cyclist will be charged Rs
40, and Rs 20 for every additional hour
Presently, 40 cycles are available on rent. A deposit of Rs 200 is collected at the cycle counter prior to the ride.
For the first two hours, the cyclist will be charged Rs 40. For every additional hour, cyclists have to pay Rs 20.
Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) and SGNP Director Sunil Limaye said, "The main reason behind starting the rent-a-cycle programme in SGNP is our desire to promote cycling, which will indirectly bring down the sound and air pollution levels caused by motor vehicles inside our park."
Since its inception two weeks ago, the response received by the programme has been so phenomenal that park officials sometimes run out of bikes to rent out. "Many people wait for the cycles to come back," said one of the forest guards present at the counter.
The authorities had purchased 80 cycles, of which 40 cycles have been been stationed at the cycle counter at present. However, authorities plan to make the remaining 40 cycles available for rent next week. The cycles are also a cost-effective means of exploring the park. While the entry fee for cars and two-wheelers is Rs 85, a cyclist only has to pay Rs 40.
The park authorities are in talks with the Maharashtra Forest Department to implement certain forest laws within the premises as well. They wish to ban entry of vehicles beyond Tumni Pada, where the tourist zone ends. They have also requested permission to impose a fine on motorbikes, which violate the maximum speed limit of 20 kmph.
Did you know?
SGNP is divided into a core restricted area and a tourist zone. Tourists are only allowed in the tourist zone.u00a0 Tumni Pada is the farthest a tourist can venture.
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