The Corbett and Rajaji national parks have also faced the brunt of the heavy rains experienced recently. Though there is no damage to the wildlife that the officials know of, the paths inside Corbett and Rajaji have been damaged due to which restrictions have been imposed on the movement of tourists. The Forest Department has also stepped up vigilance to thwart any attempt by poachers to take advantage of the situation.
According to the Corbett tiger reserve field director Samir Sinha, tourism activities had been closed in the affected zones of Corbett for the past couple of days due to the rains.
“Safety of the visitors is a prime concern for us so with the rains damaging the paths, it was not feasible to allow tourists in. The route in Bijrani zone was also damaged and if the weather permits, we will undertake minor repairs and hope to open it for tourists on Thursday. Though advance bookings are closed at present, we are trying to accommodate those who have already booked in advance. Such visitors are being accommodated a day or two ahead or beyond the date booked,” he said.
Referring to the impact of the rains on the wildlife Sinha said, “There is no damage to the wildlife that we know of yet but since a poacher was caught a few days ago in the lansdowne forest division adjoining Corbett, we have stepped up security. Operation monsoon has already been started and we are working to ensure that wildlife criminals do not take advantage of the situation,” said the Corbett director.
In Rajaji national park, all the routes inside the park have been damaged while debris have blocked the paths passing through gullies and riverbeds. According to the Rajaji deputy director HK Singh, the damaged routes have made it nearly impossible for vehicles to pass though it is still possible for one to walk on these paths.
While the jungle safaris have been affected due to this
damage, the Rajaji authorities have stepped up wildlife security to prevent poachers from exploiting the situation.