The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), Manish Singh, has called for strict disciplinary measures against a forest range officer for serious breaches of safari regulations set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This decisive step follows a troubling incident where tourists and vehicles endangered wildlife within the core forest area.
Inquiry Uncovers Serious Lapses
The recommendation for action against Barahi forest range officer Arun Mohan Shrivastav was formally made on Wednesday. It was based on a detailed inquiry report submitted by Rudra Pratap Singh, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer of the Mala forest circle. The probe was initiated after videos showing clear violations of established safety protocols went viral on social media platforms.
The core of the incident dates back to December 7. On that day, a tiger found itself in a perilous situation, allegedly hemmed in by safari vehicles on both ends of a siphon canal bridge inside the reserve's core area. In a separate but equally serious violation, tourists from one of the safari vehicles are reported to have disembarked at a bifurcation point to photograph and record videos of another tiger.
NTCA Guidelines Were Flagrantly Ignored
DFO Manish Singh highlighted the gravity of the violations. "The violations were serious, as the tiger trapped on the canal bridge could have attacked tourists," he stated. He pointed to specific NTCA guidelines that were disregarded:
- No visitor is permitted inside a safari park on foot under any circumstances.
- Visitors must not exit their vehicles, even in case of a breakdown, unless directed by authorised staff.
- No part of a visitor's body should be extended outside vehicle windows.
- Silence must be maintained to avoid provoking animals in the vicinity.
The matter escalated to the attention of District Magistrate Gynendra Singh after being highlighted by the media. Following the inquiry, DFO Singh sought an explanation from the concerned forest range officer, giving him three days from December 9 to respond. "He has now been issued a reminder with a final warning," Singh added, noting that the officer failed to submit his explanation within the allotted time.
Wider Action Against All Involved
The disciplinary proceedings are not limited to the forest officer. The forest department has also initiated departmental proceedings against the drivers and tourist guides of the three safari vehicles involved in the December 7 incident. Furthermore, cases have been officially registered against six individuals connected to the violations, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach towards endangering both human lives and wildlife.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to strict protocols in tiger habitats. The recommended action against a forest officer signals a firm intent by the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve administration to enforce discipline and ensure such reckless breaches do not recur, safeguarding the future of tiger conservation efforts.
