Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Slaps Heavy Fines on Safari Vehicles for Safety Breaches
Authorities at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve took strict action this Tuesday. They imposed a substantial fine of twenty-five thousand rupees each on the owners of three safari vehicles. The penalty came after these vehicles allegedly violated crucial norms within the core forest area. The incidents occurred during an evening tour on December 7 of last year, prompting a thorough investigation by reserve officials.
Details of the Violations That Led to Penalties
Two specific incidents triggered the punitive measures. In the first case, tourists from one of the safari vehicles decided to step out at a bifurcation point in the core forest. They exited the vehicle after spotting a tiger nearby, a clear breach of established safety protocols. The second incident unfolded near the Syphon Canal bridge. Here, a tiger found itself trapped between two safari vehicles positioned at both ends of the bridge, creating a potentially dangerous situation for the animal and the tourists.
Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh provided clarity on the actions taken. He stated that following a detailed inquiry and the imposition of the penalty, the vehicles were released. However, a significant decision was made to not register these defaulting vehicles for future safaris within the reserve. This move underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing rules strictly.
Strict Adherence to NTCA Guidelines Emphasized
The action was firmly based on the guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. These rules explicitly prohibit visitors from moving on foot inside a safari park under any circumstances. The guidelines mandate that tourists must not step out of their vehicles, even in the event of a breakdown, unless instructed to do so by authorized staff members.
DFO Singh elaborated further on the requirements. He emphasized that tiger reserve staff, along with safari vehicle drivers and tourist guides, must instruct tourists to maintain silence. This is particularly important when animals are in the vicinity of the vehicle to avoid provoking them. Singh highlighted that the violation was not merely about breaking NTCA norms. The incident of trapping the tiger on the Syphon Canal bridge could have easily provoked the animal, leading to a possible attack on tourists.
Additional Disciplinary Measures Implemented
The reserve administration also addressed the lapses in monitoring. Forester Vashishtha Kumar and forest guard Vikas Kumar, who were deployed to monitor the respective forest pockets where the incidents occurred, received official cautions. This step indicates that the authorities are holding all responsible parties accountable, not just the vehicle owners.
This series of actions sends a strong message about the importance of wildlife safety and protocol adherence in sensitive forest areas. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach towards norm violations that could endanger both tourists and the majestic tigers they come to see.
