Tadoba Tiger Reserve to shut core tourism zones for three months during monsoon

Tourists will not be allowed to enter the core areas of the TadobaAndhari Tiger Reserve TATR from June 30 to September 30 as part of the annual monsoon closure aimed at protecting wildlife and ensuring visitor safetyForest officials said the temporary suspension of tourism activities in the reserves core zones is a routine measure implemented every year during the rainy season when animal habitats become more sensitive and forest conditions can pose risks to visitorsCore Areas to Remain Closed Till SeptemberEndChief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of TATR PN Shukla said the reserves core tourism zones will remain closed for three months beginning June 30The closure coincides with the monsoon season a critical period for wildlife breeding habitat regeneration and ecological recovery within the protected forest areaOfficials said restricting tourist movement during this period helps minimise disturbance to wildlife and supports conservation efforts across the reserveBuffer Zones to Remain Open for VisitorsWhile the core areas will remain inaccessible tourists will still be able to visit designated buffer zones of the tiger reserve during the monsoon periodShukla clarified that all buffer tourism gates and buffer tourism areas are expected to remain open However access will depend on prevailing weather conditions and administrative directives issued from time to timeHeavy rainfall waterlogging road conditions and safety considerations may lead to temporary restrictions in specific areas if required officials saidThe buffer zones have increasingly become popular among visitors in recent years offering opportunities to spot wildlife while reducing pressure on the reserves ecologically sensitive core areasMonsoon Closure Part of Annual Conservation MeasuresForest authorities said the monsoon shutdown is a standard management practice followed across several tiger reserves and national parks in IndiaApart from safeguarding visitors from risks associated with heavy rains slippery roads and reduced visibility the closure allows wildlife to move freely during a crucial period of the yearThe monsoon months are considered important for the regeneration of forests replenishment of water sources and breeding activities of several animal speciesForest Department Denies Website Hacking ClaimsMeanwhile the Tadoba administration has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the reserves online booking system had been hackedShukla urged visitors to use the official booking portal mytadobamahaforestgovin for safari reservations and tourismrelated servicesThe clarification came after a social media post claimed that an individual was illegally selling 80 per cent of the reserves online safari ticketsPolice Complaint Filed Over Social Media PostThe senior forest official described the allegations as false and misleading He said there was no evidence to support claims of irregularities in the online ticket booking processAccording to the forest department the social media post was defamatory in nature and had the potential to create confusion among tourists and stakeholdersAs a result officials have lodged a police complaint seeking action against those responsible for spreading the allegationsThe department has appealed to visitors to rely only on official sources for information related to safari bookings and tourism activities at the reserveWith inputs from PTI