A new regulation concerning the allotment of guides in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve has created significant confusion among tourists visiting the delta region. According to sources, the rule requires that guides be assigned during the online booking process itself, a practice that is unprecedented and not implemented in any other tiger reserve across India.
Forest Department's Assurance
Although the forest department has assured that the rule will only be enforced after thorough discussions at the appropriate level, the booking permits already include mandatory guide allotment and details, leading to widespread confusion. More than 40 eco-tourism guides in Sajnekhali and other tourism ranges have been protesting for the past 11 days.
Issues Faced by Tourists
The new guidelines specify that the guide's name appears during online booking. However, many tourists find it difficult as the allotted guides often fail to meet their expectations in terms of identifying species or communication skills. A veteran guide explained, "Foreign tourists, for instance, always prefer guides who can speak and understand English. But during online booking, the guide assigned may not meet these criteria."
Furthermore, there are instances where the guide allotted during the online application is not available. In such cases, tourists are not permitted to hire other guides who are available. Veteran guide Himansu Mandal stated, "We have been on a peaceful sit-in since May 27." A tourist recently posted a video on social media after having to visit the Sundarbans without a guide because his allotted guide did not show up and he was not allowed to hire alternative guides.
Department's Response
A senior forester commented, "The online system will take some time to revert to the old module. Guides are free to follow old rules as this new guideline will not be enforced now."
