In accordance with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Betla National Park under Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) will remain closed for tourists for the next three months- July 1 to September 30. Visitors to the park will be allowed entry from October 1 onwards.
“This is breeding time for all wild animals, so the park is closed during the rainy season every year. For this time only the officials are allowed entry to the park so as not to disturb the animals. It is very important to close the park as it’s the breeding time and too much disturbance can hamper the wildlife population,” said YK Das, Field Director, PTR.
Featuring a luxuriant forest cover and a rich variety of fauna, Betla is home to tiger, elephant, deer, leopard, wild boar, flying squirrel and bison. More than 180 species of resident birds can be spotted in the forest.
“There is a confirmed movement of two tigers in the reserve- male and female while there are two others which keep moving between Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The population of all the animals has increased in the past six months,” Das further added.
The animals are generally fed a mixture of prepared salt and soil throughout the year which is high in minerals and is good for their nutrition. This concoction is hung at various places in the reserve and is consumed by all varieties of animals.
“After this mating season, a substantial increase in the wildlife population is expected. When the reserve is reopened in October, the tourists are sure to have a great experience. During this time, the on- going infrastructure work will also get completed,” the official remarked.
The construction work for tourist lodges, souvenir shops, ticket counters is likely to get completed before the park is reopened.
A building for Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) is also being constructed.