The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) reopened for tourists from Tuesday morning after it was closed since March 18 in the wake of the Covid-19 induced lockdown. However private vehicles will not be allowed inside the park. Tourists will be able to visit the park between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm, daily.
While the reopening of the park has come as a relief to many who will get access to the city's green patch once again, popular tourists spots in the park such as Kanheri Caves, Vanrani - a toy train, Lion and Tiger safari, boating, etc will remain closed for now. According to officials, these tourists attraction will be made operational later after monitoring the situation for some time.
“Those without masks will not be allowed to enter. Any person having symptoms associated with Covid-19 is requested to avoid entering the park and if they do, their details will be shared with the nearest Covid-19 centre,” said G Mallikarjuna - director and conservator of forest, SGNP.
He added: “At the end of the day, it is up to citizens/visitors to take care of their health. We are only facilitating a safe environment during this pandemic.”
Since Kanheri caves will not be accessible for tourists, for now, tourists will be allowed to go up to the Tumnipada gate.
The park authorities have restricted entry to private vehicles. Paid Parking facilities have been made available for visitors/tourists in a newly developed parking area. Besides BEST buses have been made available for the visitors to travel within the park.
The Park reopened for morning walkers from October 15. Following which Morning walkers were able to visit the park between 5.30 am and 7.30 am, daily. After closely monitoring the activities, the park decided to reopen for tourists.
"Even though we are allowing entry to tourists, lowering the facemasks and violation of social distancing will not be tolerated," added Mallikarjuna.
