Corbett, Rajaji Tiger reserves closed for monsoon break

As per the practice, the Corbett Tiger and Rajaji Tiger reserves in Uttarakhand have been closed for monsoon break.

Jim Corbett National Park is famous in the country for its eco tourism activities. Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Domunda, Sonanadi and Dhera are the zones where tourists flock in big numbers. There has been a spurt in the number of visitors to the Corbett park this year.

Arould 3 lakh tourists visited Corbett during the tourist season starting from Nov 15, 2016, to June 15, 2017. This included 3,000 foreign tourists.

Jim Corbett National Park earned Rs 9.68 crore as revenue through tourism-related activities. During the last tourist season, Corbett had earned around 8 crore as revenue. Corbett Director Surendra Mehra said a big enthusiasm was seen among tourists visiting Jim Corbett National Park this year. He said they had been strictly ensuring cleanliness within the reserve premises.

Further, Rajaji Tiger Reserve had a total of nearly 40,000 visitors this tourist season. Rajaji Director Sanatan Sonkar said the reserve was closed today for monsoon. He said the five tourist circuits — Chilla, Motichur, Ranipur, Mohand and Asarohi of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve — had been closed for monsoon break.

Significantly, the rains play havoc with the forest roads and culverts and the wildlife authorities have to undertake repairs of these every year.