Re-opening after the usual three-month break, Betla National Park is seeing fair footfall of nature lovers. As their numbers continue to increase, Park authorities and local business owners busy themselves with ensuring a memorable and secure experience to the visitors.
“The reserve remains closed for visitors during the monsoon as it is mating season for animals here. This is done so that animals are not disturbed by presence of visitors during this time. As this phase passes, the Park is again reopened for visitors,” informed PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Pradeep Kumar.
“By far, the number of visitors has been just as we expected, and we expect these numbers to improve in coming days. This has been the trend every year. We are making arrangements considering the expected increase in footfall,” said Field Director, Palamu Tiger Project AS Rawat.
He further added, “Most of the rest houses in the park are ready to be used by visitors. The ones still in need of some work being done on them will be taken care of shortly. We are also exploring new areas to set up rest houses for the visitors. We are awaiting funds for these works and work will begin as soon as we receive them.”
“Out of the 16 rooms available here, 10 have already been booked by visitors. Other nine are receiving some finishing work and will be available in a couple of days. Given the footfall and business seen till now, we expect to generate revenue up to `1.5 lakh from room bookings and another one lakh from the restaurant,” said Ranjeet Singh, manager of Hotel Van Vihar located near the Park.
Visitors to Betla, known for its herds of elephants, can also enjoy riding through the park on elephant back. The two cow-elephants of Betla, Juhi and Anarkali, are ready to welcome them. “Anarkali was a little under the weather, but we had her treated before the reopening. Those coming to Betla for watching elephants can do so from elephant backs now,” said the Chief Wildlife Warden.
Visitors even have a chance of coming across tigers at Betla National Park as some were seen here in the recent past.
Regarding security of visitors, Rawat assured, “When it comes to safety, visitors have nothing to worry about. Palamu might be affected by red extremism, but Betla remains untouched by its threat.”