A severe cold spell has enveloped West Champaran district in Bihar, but it has done little to dampen the spirits of wildlife enthusiasts. Contrary to expectations, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is witnessing a significant surge in tourist numbers, with visitors braving the biting temperatures to experience its famed jungle and boat safaris.
Tourists Brave the Chill for Wildlife Thrills
Forest Conservator and Director of West Champaran, Neshamani K, confirmed the unexpected trend. He reported that since the beginning of the year, approximately 75,000 tourists have visited the reserve. The cold conditions, instead of acting as a deterrent, seem to have coincided with excellent wildlife sightings, drawing larger crowds.
Just this past Monday, numerous tourists on jungle safaris in the Govardhana forest area were rewarded with close-range sightings of both a leopard and a tiger. Simultaneously, the boat safaris on the Gandak river in Valmikinagar continue to be a major attraction, offering a unique perspective of the reserve's ecosystem despite the fog and chill.
Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Life and Health
The tourist enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the disruption the cold wave has caused to normal life across West Champaran. A thin layer of fog has persisted for over a week, reducing visibility and intensifying the chill after a brief sunny spell last Sunday. Most residents are choosing to stay indoors, and the district's hospitals are reporting a sharp increase in patients.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Superintendent of the subdivisional hospital in Bagaha, stated that between 200 to 250 patients are seeking treatment daily for cold-related ailments like fever and respiratory issues. He added that children and the elderly form the majority of these cases.
Impact Extends to Wildlife and Birds
The harsh weather is not sparing the local fauna either. Highlighting the vulnerability of wildlife, Neshamani K shared a rescue incident from Monday evening. A vulture was found incapacitated due to the extreme cold on the premises of a government high school in Sun Saraiya village of the Nautan block.
"Our team acted swiftly upon receiving the information. The bird was rescued immediately and is currently under treatment," the forest director said. This incident underscores the broader impact of the weather conditions on animal and bird life in the region.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), West Champaran and neighboring districts have recorded maximum temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius and minimums between 7 to 8 degrees Celsius over the past week. The IMD forecast predicts that the cold conditions, accompanied by dense fog or haze, are likely to persist for several more days.
