A huge relief for the Tiger fans, and the biggest relief to the Tiger itself, the proposed ban on Tiger tourism by some conservationists is not being implemented. Only some more regulations and some more restrictions will come into effect, which in a way is much desired. The current scenario in few national parks is a bit disappointing with loads of Jeeps waiting to get into the park, and few times competing with each other to get a closer and a better look of the Tiger.
Some quarters felt this disturbed the Tiger and its habitat, to some extent the same is true but if one views the impact of tourism on the habitat, which is negligible and to the community which is priceless. The surrounding villages are mostly dependent on the tourism coming into the area. With lot of staff getting employed in the lodges, as drivers and as guides, the economy of the area has changed. Imagine if there was no tourism tomorrow in the area, what wuold the locals do in such remote area. MOre dependence on the forest for daily livlihood, would mean more depletion of the forest, it would also mean more man-animal conflict.
Today a Tiger is used to tourists, tomorrow with no humans going in, once the Tiger sees humans chances of such conflicts will be very high. Today for about 8-9 hours tourists are inside the core area, which means there is unofficial patrolling happenning of the area. This implies that poachers do not get inside the parks when the tourists are there. Poaching mistly happens during the monsoon times and also after sunset or before sunrise when the tourists are not present in the parks. Imagine a situation if the parks are opened 24X7, would poachers have easy access, i doubt very much.
But a humble request to all tourists to conduct themsselves better inside the park. Tiger is such a joy to watch, let us do it silently, patiently, and besides Tiger the forest is full of such wonderful moments watch them as well simultaneously.
Hope to see you soon sometime.
Sharad
