Poor conditions of roads hit the State forest department’s ambitious plan to open the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary in Haldwani forest division for the general public for tourism purpose.
The matter of fact is that the State forest department has already completed necessary formalities like fixing tariffs under different categories for tourists who wish to visit the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary. But on account of fund constraints it has not been able to restore mobility in different pockets of this wildlife sanctuary and other locations connecting each other even after passing of two months since rainy season resulting in delay in commencement of tourism activities in the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary.
We have completed necessary formalities making the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary ready for allowing tourism activities, said PC Arya, SDO, the Nandhuary wildlife sanctuary, while talking to The Pioneer. “Basic infrastructure facilities like drinking water services, hutments, dormitory to name a few are ready, but due to blocking of some main roads including the Chhakata -Sharda range Road, we have not been able to start tourism activities,” he added.
Besides, the Chorgalia – Durgapeepal Road in the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary area has also been damaged at many places. But due to shortage of funds, these roads have yet not been repaired, he added. However, efforts are on to restore mobility in this area and hopefully, the Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary will be opened for tourism activities in due course of time, he informed.
It is worth mention 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 only about a year 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.
Therefore, as the officials concerned maintain, keeping in view huge scope for promoting tourism activities here on the pattern of the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in Ramnagar, the State forest department has also decided to open this Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary in Haldwani for tourism purpose, creating requisite infrastructure.
Apart from that, the purpose behind putting the aforesaid sanctuary on the tourist map is also an attempt to decongest tourist population in the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Ramnagar, as the officials concerned State.