2 days ago
Buxa Tourist Restrictions Extended as Stakeholders Fear Revenue Loss
A tigress was brought from another reserve and released into Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2.
The forest department wants her to settle safely in her new home.
It has therefore stopped tourists from entering until October 9.
At first, the restriction was due to end on October 3.
Some local businesses had accepted bookings for visitors starting October 4, so they now have to cancel them.
Tourism workers say this could mean less money during a busy holiday period.
A local guide said the pause also makes it harder for safari workers to pay vehicle-loan instalments.
The forest department says the temporary restriction is for the tigress’s safety, while tourism stakeholders are concerned about lost income.
Tourist entry to Buxa Tiger Reserve is restricted until October 9 to help a newly released tigress settle safely.
The tigress, brought from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve, was released into Buxa on October 2.
The forest department initially set restrictions from September 30 to October 3, then extended them in a new notice.
Tourism businesses say the extension forced them to cancel bookings made for October 4 and later during peak season.
Stakeholders warn cancellations could harm the area’s reputation and affect the income of accommodation providers and safari-dependent workers.
- Who
- Buxa Tiger Reserve forest authorities, tourism stakeholders, and a tigress brought from Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
- What
- Tourist entry restrictions have been extended, prompting concern about cancelled bookings and lost tourism income.
- Where
- Buxa Tiger Reserve, including access to Jayanti, Buxa hill and Lepchakha.
- When
- The tigress was released on October 2; restrictions were extended until October 9.
- Why
- Forest authorities say the tigress needs time to settle safely in her new habitat.
Forest authorities
Tourism stakeholders
Extending the restrictions
Forest authorities
The restrictions are necessary to protect the tigress and give her time to settle into her new habitat.
Tourism stakeholders
The extension disrupted bookings made for October 4 onward during the peak holiday season.
Effects on tourism
Forest authorities
The forest official said the department was not against tourism but was prioritizing the tigress’s safety and well-being.
Tourism stakeholders
Tourism representatives and workers said cancellations could damage the destination’s reputation and reduce income for accommodation providers and safari-dependent workers.
Key facts
- Restricted until
- October 9
- Tigress released
- October 2
- Source reserve
- Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar
- Initial restriction period
- September 30 to October 3
- Earlier reopening to tourists
- September 16, after the annual monsoon closure
- Monsoon closure
- Three months, beginning June 15
- Affected access
- Jayanti via Rajabhatkhawa forest gate, Buxa hill and Lepchakha
Quotes
A forest official
Forest department official explaining the extended visitor restrictions.
“Earlier, the forest department said tourists would be restricted till October 3. Naturally, we accepted bookings to homestays and other accommodation from October 4. But they (the forest department) have again extended the restrictions, and we have to cancel bookings during this peak season.”
telegraphindia.com
“We are not against tourism, but we have to extend the restrictions for the safety and well-being of the tigress.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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