Translocations from overpopulated habitats are boosting big cat numbers across Maharashtra’s tiger reserves, while streamlining tourism infrastructure for long-term growth

In Nagpur, the safari season announces itself with scramble every year. What's easy to miss however is how much of what tourists come to see depends on the animals alone; while the effort local stakeholders have put into the ecotourism development around Maharashtra's tiger reserves goes unnoticed.

Tourism needs

The forest department at Tadoba indicated a tourism overhaul in order to enhance the experience and implement better management of safari operations. As Prabhu Nath Shukla, Field Director, Conservator of Forests (CCF), TATR Chandrapur puts it, “a new, user-friendly official website has been launched, providing comprehensive tourism-related information, including gate details and guidelines.” It is supported by an interactive 'Tiger Talk' chatbot to assist visitors. To improve transparency and awareness, “strict action has been taken against fraudulent activities, including the registration of FIRs against individuals involved in safari or cruiser booking scams”, Shukla noted.

Tourists opting for full-day safaris at specific core areas of the park are now allowed access to adjoining buffer zones. An online booking system has been introduced to streamline operations. TATR has eliminated camera charges and introduced a flexible add-on and replacement policy, and extended safari booking timings to up to two hours prior to entry.