(TAN): Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh will reopen for visitors on November 1, reports said.
“Strict Covid protocols for the tourists as well as those visiting DTR have been imposed this season starting November 1. Any violation of the protocol would be taken seriously,” DTR Field Director Sanjay Kumar Pathak was quoted as saying by the media.
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The tourist season in Dudhwa normally starts on November 15 and concludes on June 15 every year. This year it had to be closed mid-season on March 22 due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Besides, the last tourist season also remained disturbed due to heavy rain and waterlogged corridors.
This had affected the revenue of the park, though the almost zero tourist activities helped wild animals to reclaim their territories and rights without any hindrance, DTR officials said.
“Only those tourists clearing thermal scanning and having no symptoms of Covid-19 infection would be provided entry into the park premises. Each and every person entering the DTR, whether they are tourists, guides or visitors, would have to put on masks all time,” Pathak said, adding that any violation of this would lead to a fine.
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As per Covid guidelines of the state government, tourists in the 11 to 64 years age-group would be allowed into the national park, Pathak said, adding that entry of tourists with co-morbidities and pregnant women would remain restricted. He said the tourists would not be permitted to step out of their vehicles during jungle safari and their vehicle would be sanitised before and after every trip.
Dudhwa is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, one-horned rhinos, swamp deer, barking deer, spotted deer, crocodiles, elephants and over 400 avian species.
