Tourist movement that began as per schedule this tourist season in the Haldwani forest division’s Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary has, however, failed to pick up momentum.
Poor condition of roads cutting through the aforesaid wildlife sanctuary is one of the main reasons for the dwindling footfalls of the visitors in the sanctuary that was opened for the general public for the first time from December last year, coinciding with the first anniversary of this wildlife sanctuary on December 14 last.
It may be recalled the poor conditions of roads also delayed the tourist season in the sanctuary last year and the visitors could visit the aforesaid sanctuary only from December 14 last year. The sanctuary is presently opened only for day- visit, given its present state of basic infrastructure.
The Chhakata –Sharda Range Road and the Chorgalia – Durgapeepal Road are the two main roads, connecting different parts of the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary and facilitating mobility inside it. But dilapidated condition of these road- stretches at different points is affecting even routine patrolling in the sanctuary.
However, the officials concerned said that efforts are on to smoothen mobility in these roads, including on the six- km- long stretch between Machil and Durgapeepal on the Chorgaliya- Durgapeepal Road.
More so, they maintained that the mobility that was badly disrupted during rainy season is now being restored inside the sanctuary. Now, it is in better shape, they claimed.
The tourist movement is presently not much. But we hope that things would look up in due course of time and the anniversary celebrations of Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary slated for December 14 would definitely boost the tourist inflow, said the officials concerned of the Haldwani forest division.
When asked if there is any change in the tariff structure for tourists, the officials concerned said that there is no change as such in the existing tariff structure for the tourists bound for Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary.
It is worth mentioning here that the Nandhaur valley which is known for its rich natural resources, including flora and fauna, was accorded the status of the wildlife sanctuary about two years ago.
With presence of Sal, Shisham, Bamboo, Teak, Chir Pine and riverine forests in abundance, it also provides a favourable habitat for many wild animals like tiger, leopard, elephant, Sloth Bear, Mahaseer and Great Pied Hornbill, to name a few.