Wildlife Tourism in Central India

I am a strong advocate of controlled and regulated tourism in the parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India. Tourism creates awareness amongst people and at the same times generates economy which benefits the locals as well as the industry.

There are many popular wildlife sanctuaries in India where tourism is not organized at all. If this is done it will certainly reduce the tourist pressure on major National Park and Tiger reserves. These neglected wildlife habitats sometimes hold endemic or rare species tourism here will create a voice of the people and they will certainly receive much better protection. 

Achanakmar Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh needs much attention it has tremendous tourism and conservation protection. So is the case of Indravati National park the last refuge of wild Buffalo. Likewise Nauradehi Sanctuary offers good tourism potential. It is here that Indian Wolf is seen with ease albeit the tiger has become extinct. 

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve should be protected from uncontrolled tourism. This destination in Central India is home to many species that are less seen in the MP State.Pachmarhi is the only hill resort in India which is untouched by the construction industry.

On my birding tours India I visit many birding spots in National Parks as well near urban centers. Some are well protect but many are in pathetic conditions. Many wetlands small and big are in state of neglect and most are inundated with polluted water. Bharatpur is a rare example which gets reasonable protection due to it popularity. In Karera Bustard sanctuary not a single bird is present and so would be the case of many others not heard of.

Like wise in India wildlife watching tours can be organized in far more forest habitats than are being used for tourism at present. In Madhya Pradesh only three parks Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench cater to tourism. Satpura National Park is next upcoming wildlife tourism center which will in future reduce load on the three reserves. Similarly Sanjay National Park in Sidhi offers great tourism potential. Panna is in lime light for wrong reasons. The park should be developed and tiger population restored.

Developing tourism infrastructure in less popular will be beneficial for the wildlife as well as the local communities. Making Govt. rest houses for accommodation at these places will be a good beginning till private entrepreneurs step in.