After a gap of three months, the national parks and sanctuaries of the state would be opened for tourist activities from October 1 onwards. The parks had been closed from July 1 with the onset of monsoon following the general norm. Interestingly, the department is now repairing the roads and tracks in the forest areas so that tourism activities can be carried out without any hinderance.
As a norm followed by the forest department, for the three months of monsoon in the state, the parks and sanctuaries are closed for any tourist activity. “The tracks inside forest reserves are not metalled roads. During rains, the water rolls down from hills overflowing nullahs. This damages roads and thus parts of the forest reserve get cut off from the main areas,” officials said.
However this is not the only reason why the parks are closed. “The rains play havoc in the forest areas during monsoon. Heavy showers accompanied by strong winds cause severe damage to trees and the parks become a dangerous area for human movement. There is a risk to people if they frequent the area. Thus tourist activities are stopped,” officials said, adding, “also, during monsoon, the herbivores leave the plains and take shelter in the hilly areas as there is water everywhere. Due to this their sighting decreases and people who come to the forest for seeing animals would not like that. Hence the parks are closed.”
Meanwhile, the forest department is now repairing the damaged areas. “Certain parts of the tracks were washed away by water or were damaged. They are being repaired for smooth movement of vehicles. Moreover, the tracks are also being cleared off trees and other bits that might have fallen in the course of three months due to strong winds or heavy rain,” officials said.
Rain Damage
As a norm followed by forest department, for the three months of monsoon, the parks and sanctuaries are closed for any tourist activity. “The tracks inside forest reserves are not metalled roads. During rains, the water rolls down from hills overflowing nullahs.
