In course of strategising the mitigation of man-tiger conflict, the closure of Chuka for tourists is inevitable,” said conservator of forest of Bareilly circle PP Singh.Singh said increasing presence of humans impact tigers’ habitat due to which they often stray into villages.“As tiger is a territorial creature, it doesn’t’ share its territory with another one. Pilibhit: Forest officials have decided to restrict people’s visit to Chuka tourist spot in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) to preserve habitat of tigers and mitigate man-animal conflict that has claimed 24 lives so far.Chuka, developed in 2003, is visited by thousands of tourists during seven-month-long eco-tourism session that takes place between November 15 and June 15 every year.Officials said the presence of tigers is more at Mahof and Barahi forest ranges, where Chuka tourist spot is located.“We are viewing this (increased presence of tourists) disturbance as one of the prime reasons responsible for straying of big cats from wild areas that has led to man-tiger conflict in Pilibhit and claimed 24 lives. In such a situation, the flustered tigers are compelled to barge into villages,” he said.He said the forest officials are working on an action plan to create staying facilities near the designated buffer area in PTR for tourists to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of core forest areas.“We have started working on an action plan envisaging the promotion of home stay for tourists at farm houses situated near PTR, apart from building our own infrastructure for tourists,” Singh said.Singh said once this projected is completed it would significantly help bring more revenues for stakeholders and raise awareness about forest conversation practices among the villagers.As per the norms of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), jungle safari is permitted in 20% of core forest areas, but stay of tourists is prohibited inside protected forest parts of tiger reserve, wildlife sanctuary or the national park.The Corbett and Dudhwa tiger reserves have already banned tourists’ stay in their respective core forest areas, Singh said.“We have included the proposal of closing Chuka for tourist services in the draft of amendments to be introduced to PTR’s tiger conservation plan (TCP) which is to be approved by the Government of India”, the conservator said.
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