In a decisive move to protect tourists, authorities in Madhya Pradesh have shut down five prominent resorts located near the famous Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The action was taken after the establishments were found operating without complying with mandatory fire safety regulations.
Crackdown Following Joint Inspection
The Umaria district administration executed the sealing orders in the Tala zone of the tiger reserve. This step was the direct result of a joint inspection conducted by officials, which uncovered serious lapses in fire safety infrastructure at these resorts. The administration's primary goal was to ensure the safety and security of visitors to the popular wildlife destination.
Warnings Ignored for Six Months
Officials revealed that the resort owners had been formally directed to install and upgrade their fire safety equipment to meet prescribed standards approximately six months ago. Despite this substantial notice period, the establishments failed to take the necessary corrective measures. The prolonged non-compliance left the administration with no choice but to take strict action.
Ensuring Visitor Safety is Paramount
The sealing of the five resorts sends a strong message about the zero-tolerance policy towards safety violations in ecologically sensitive and high-traffic tourist areas. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve attracts a large number of domestic and international visitors, making adherence to safety protocols non-negotiable. This crackdown is part of broader efforts by the Madhya Pradesh government to audit and enforce safety standards across all tourist facilities in the state.
The district administration has emphasized that the resorts will remain sealed until they fully comply with all fire safety norms and receive official clearance. The move has been welcomed by wildlife enthusiasts and safety advocates, who stress that the thrill of the wild should never come at the cost of basic visitor safety.
