In a significant development for Maharashtra's eco-tourism landscape, a new jungle safari circuit has been inaugurated at Lohara in the Chandrapur forest range. This initiative represents a fresh push to expand sustainable tourism while simultaneously strengthening wildlife management and boosting rural livelihoods across the district.
Inauguration by Key Dignitaries
The facility was formally opened by Dr. Ashok Uike, the tribal development minister and Chandrapur guardian minister. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of numerous senior forest and district officials, underscoring the project's importance for regional development.
Access and Infrastructure Details
The Lohara jungle safari gate now serves as the primary access point to this newly designated tourism circuit. Spanning approximately 35 kilometers, the route has been developed utilizing existing forest tracks and kutcha roads, minimizing environmental disruption while creating accessible pathways for visitors.
Multifaceted Objectives of the Project
Forest department officials have outlined several key objectives behind this initiative. The project is strategically designed to enhance forest and wildlife management practices while encouraging harmonious human-wildlife coexistence. A crucial component involves reducing local communities' dependence on forest resources by generating sustainable employment opportunities linked directly to tourism activities.
Water Management for Wildlife
The safari zone features an innovative water network comprising 15 artificial waterholes complemented by the natural Lohara lake. This infrastructure ensures year-round water availability, supporting consistent wildlife movement patterns while improving visibility opportunities for safari visitors throughout different seasons.
Rich Biodiversity of the Region
The forest stretch supports an impressive array of fauna, creating exceptional wildlife viewing prospects. The area is home to majestic predators including tigers and leopards, alongside herbivores such as gaur, various deer species (chital, sambar), nilgai, and the distinctive four-horned antelope. Other notable inhabitants include sloth bears, jungle cats, jackals, wild dogs, and wild boar, complemented by diverse birdlife and numerous butterfly species.
Broader Conservation Vision
Forest authorities have described this initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to balance conservation imperatives with community-linked eco-tourism development. The approach seeks to create a sustainable model where wildlife protection and local economic benefits reinforce each other.
Distinguished Attendees
The inauguration ceremony gathered prominent figures including MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, Chief Conservator of Forests RM Ramanujam, District Collector Vinay Gowda GC, Zilla Parishad CEO Pulkit Singh, Superintendent of Police Mummaka Sudarshan, Municipal Commissioner Akunuri Naresh, Tadoba Field Director Dr. Prabhunath Shukla, along with other senior forest officials and local representatives.
This new jungle safari circuit represents a thoughtful integration of conservation priorities and community development, potentially setting a benchmark for similar eco-tourism initiatives across India's forest regions.
