Nagpur: With the arrival of the monsoon season, the thrilling roar of tigers and adventurous jungle trails across Vidarbha’s famous wildlife destinations will soon fall silent for a few months. In a major announcement for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists, the Forest Department has decided to temporarily suspend safari operations at Pench Tiger Reserve and Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary from June 15 to September 30.
As part of the closure, all online and offline safari bookings made between June 15 and June 30 will be cancelled. Authorities have assured that tourists will receive a full refund for their bookings.
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Forest officials stated that the decision has been taken keeping in mind tourist safety as well as wildlife conservation during the monsoon season.
Every year, thousands of tourists from across the country visit Pench and Umred-Karhandla to experience jungle safaris and witness wildlife including tigers, leopards, deer and various bird species in their natural habitat. The reserves remain among the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the Vidarbha region, especially during winter and summer seasons.
However, with the onset of monsoon, forest conditions change drastically. Muddy and slippery tracks, overflowing streams and waterlogged routes increase the risk of safari vehicles getting stranded inside forest areas. Due to these safety concerns, safari activities are traditionally suspended during the rainy season every year.
According to forest officials, the monsoon period is also crucial for wildlife breeding and ecological regeneration. Limiting human movement inside forests during this phase helps maintain a peaceful natural environment for animals.
The temporary closure period will also be utilised for repair and maintenance work on safari routes, strengthening security arrangements, and carrying out other infrastructure improvements to ensure a smoother and safer tourism season after the monsoon.
Officials, however, indicated that if weather conditions remain favourable, limited safari activities in selected buffer zones may be considered from time to time.
The Forest Department has appealed to tourists to plan their trips accordingly and advised those who have already booked safaris between June 15 and June 30 to contact the concerned offices for the refund process.
While the forests may remain quieter over the next few months, nature will come alive in its most beautiful form during the rains — setting the stage for the return of adventure, wildlife and jungle exploration once the monsoon season comes to an end.
Nagpur Today – Ravikant Kamble
