Tourism activities will remain suspended in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve area from June 17 (Wednesday) to June 22 (Monday), said a notice issued by the office of the chief conservator of forests and the field director, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve on Monday.
While the notice said that the instructions were being given due “unavoidable administrative circumstances and in the interest of public and tourist safety”, it didn’t elaborate on what the “unavoidable circumstances” were.
This, a source said, may lead to cancellation of around 50 permits on an average daily and over 300 in total. “This will translate to a huge loss, if we take into account the guests’ fooding and lodging, too,” added the source.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve attracts more than 4 lakh tourists annually.
The tiger reserve will now open to tourists on June 24 as June 23, being a Tuesday, is a no-tourism day in the mangroves.
“All registered tour operators, hoteliers, boat owners and lodge owners are requested to strictly adhere to the directive, suspend all guest bookings and halt transit within the reserve area during this window. Entry permits will not be issued, and access to all eco-tourism spots will be barred,” the notice added.
The order is being issued in the larger interest of public safety. Regular tourism will resume on June 24,” it added.
