The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) reopened for vacationers from Tuesday morning right after it was closed because March 18 in the wake of the Covid-19 induced lockdown. However, private cars will not be permitted inside the park.
As quickly as the city’s only urban wilderness reopened its gates for vacationers on Tuesday, it witnessed a footfall of more than 300 guests. Tourists will be capable to go to the park in between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm, everyday, except holidays.While the reopening of the park has come as a relief to several who will get access to the city’s green patch as soon as once again, preferred vacationers spots in the park such as Kanheri Caves, Vanrani- a toy train, Lion and Tiger safari, boating, and so on will stay closed for now. According to officials, these tourist attractions will be created operational later right after monitoring the scenario for some time.
“Those without masks will not be allowed to enter. Any person having symptoms associated with Covid-19 is requested to avoid entering the park and if they do, their details will be shared with the nearest Covid-19 centre,” stated G Mallikarjuna – director and conservator of forest, SGNP.
He added: “At the end of the day, it is up to citizens/visitors to take care of their health. We are only facilitating a safe environment during this pandemic.”
Since Kanheri caves will not be accessible for vacationers, for now, vacationers will be permitted to only go up to the Tumnipada gate.
The Park reopened for morning walkers from October 15. Following which Morning walkers have been capable to go to the park in between 5.30 am and 7.30 am, everyday. After closely monitoring the activities, the park decided to reopen for vacationers.
“Even though we are allowing entry to tourists, lowering the facemasks and violation of social distancing will not be tolerated,” added Mallikarjuna
As planned entry of private cars has been prohibited into the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) as it reopened for vacationers right after the lockdown. Paid Parking facilities have been created out there for guests/vacationers in a newly created parking region which has capacity for about 300 cars. Besides Finest buses have been created out there for the guests to travel inside the park.
Before the lockdown, private cars heading towards Kanheri caves triggered site visitors snarls inside the national park, particularly on weekends. On typical, the park sees one hundred private cars everyday. According to official estimates, SGNP receives more than 12 lakh guests just about every year and earns about Rs 50-70 lakh in entry charges annually.
The park authorities are organizing to get sixteen battery-operated buses which will rather ferry persons inside the park, particularly to the Kanheri caves. “Specification of the buses have been submitted, the process of procuring the buses has begun,” stated Mallikarjuna.