Bhopal: Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra visited Kanha Tiger Reserve on Thursday along with fellow Olympians Gagan Narang and Elavenil Valarivan as the reserve’s core zone reopened to tourists following the annual monsoon closure. The reopening marked the start of the new wildlife tourism season.
Kanha field director Ravindra Mani Tripathi flagged off safari vehicles from the Khatia gate in the presence of Chopra, Narang and Valarivan. Tourism activities also resumed from the Mukki and Sarhi gates, giving visitors access to the core forest to experience wildlife in its natural surroundings.
The reopening took place during Wildlife Conservation Week, observed from October 1 to 7. Tourists, forest officials, staff members and guests at all three entry gates took a pledge to support the protection of forests, wildlife and their habitats.
At Mukki gate, deputy director Prakash Kumar Verma officially launched tourism operations, while safari activities also restarted at Sarhi gate.
Kanha attracts visitors from different parts of India as well as international tourists because of its rich forests and wildlife. The reserve management said all necessary preparations for the new tourism season, including visitor facilities and safari arrangements, had been completed.
Kanha management also expressed hope that the new tourism season would create greater economic opportunities for people living in nearby local communities.
