BHOPAL : Forest Department is developing tiger safari buffer zones of Pench and Bandhavgarh so that tourists reaching there can enjoy sighting of tiger easily. The work is being done under the guidance of National Tiger Conservation Authority. NTCA had suggested to develop tiger safari in buffer zones in the tiger reserves witnessing excessive tourist pressure for sighting of tigers. Tiger safari proposal of Kanha tiger reserve has already been sanctioned in-principle.
Process is on to send DPRs of Pench and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves to Central Zoo Authority. It is proposed to release herbivorous animals along with tiger, leopards and other carnivores in 500 to 1000 hectare tiger safari. The tigers and leopards become dangerous for human beings or orphaned cubs will be released in the area. Due to it, carnivores will get facility to prey in natural environs and human-wildlife conflict will be considerably reduced. Wildlife do not fall under category of zoo unless separate arrangements for their food, meat etc. are not made. Even then, Forest Department has sent proposals for proposed tiger safaris for approval to Central Zoo Authority as a precaution.
