If you are fond of the wild and are bored of seeing the animals in enclosures at a biological park or zoo, but then don’t have the time or money for a jungle safari in a reserve forest. Then,
Jaipur is the place for you. In association with the Jaipur Development Authority, the Forest Department will soon be ready to offer tiger safari to tourists inside the Nahargarh Biological Park.
So, now when in Jaipur, other than forts and havelis, you can enjoy the tigers roaming in the open, while visitors check them from across the fencing that is almost complete.
This is the first-of-its-kind facility in Rajasthan for tigers, Jaipur Deputy Conservator of Forest, Mr. Kapil Chandrawel told the Indian Masterminds in an exclusive conversation as he explained how this will help boost tourism and conversation at the same time.
DIFFERENT FROM ZOO
The 30 hectare new safari for the third big cat in the city will be similar to a lion safari that came up two years back and has been a great success ever since, says the officer.
However, it will be different from spotting tigers in a reserve as the predator will be kept in a much-controlled environment.
“Yet, don’t confuse it with a zoo,” said Mr. Chandrawel explaining, “In zoos, wild animals are kept like exhibits. It is an artificial set-up, where predators like tigers or lions are controlled. They are trained to adapt to the environment in the zoo.”
The safari area that is being built in Nahargarh park is much bigger than a zoo. Generally, the jungle safaris are costly but many want to watch animals in their natural habitat and behaviour.
INSIDE OUT
“Jaipur being both an international and national tourist hub, it will prove advantageous for those who always have to travel to places like Ranthambore from the state capital to enjoy the wild. The state government wanted to provide the same experience in Jaipur,” said the officer.
The construction is still underway. After the fencing the safari tags, night shelters, caves and
2-3 ponds are to be built inside the enclosure. The tigers will be brought from other zoos too and only after observations two-three of them will be released for sighting, he said. The safari vehicles number, route and timing will be fixed. The visitors will be inside caged vehicles and the tiger will be free. Mr. Kapil says, “It might not be like a jungle safari but we’re trying to create a feeling close to it for the visitors.
TOOL OF MASS EDUCATION
While the already existing lion safari is generating revenues, the same is being expected from the tiger safari too. Describing its importance the officer said, “Not everyone can go into the jungle so after the zoos, these safaris are a tool for mass education on conservation. We can captivate the young for the wild experiences. It is also a great way to sensitize the public.”
The officer is aware about the challenges and upgrades that they will need to incorporate along the way with the new tiger safari and expects it to be an example to others.
