24X7 safari at Ranthambhore? Experts wary

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government is likely to allow tourist vehicles in Ranthambhore National Park round the clock, a move that wildlife experts feel might keep animals from preying.

Current tiger safari norms allow tourists only in two three-hour shifts--morning and evening--in pre-specified zones.

The government is in final stages of approving a proposal that will also end the zonal restrictions for vehicular movement during the day, TOI has learnt. The proposal has received financial approval and may come into force in the next few days. "All legal and financial aspects are being looked into before its implementation," said forest and environment minister Rajkumar Rinwa.


RN Mehrotra, former chief wildlife warden of Rajasthan, said that tigers and other animals hunt for preys at night, and if night tiger safari was allowed, they would be too scared to come out.