As a preventive measure against the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the state’s chief wildlife warden has prohibited all tourism activities in all protected areas from March 17 to 31.
With this, no visitors will be allowed in national parks, wildlife reserves, tiger reserves and zoos across the state.
In addition to this, the permissions granted for filming and research activities have also been revoked with immediate effect till March 31.
New directions will be issued later by the department after reviewing the conditions. It is pertinent to mention that with wildlife tourism attractions like the Corbett tiger reserve, Rajaji national park and Gangotri national park apart from other protected areas, a considerable number of domestic and foreign tourists visit these destinations in Uttarakhand.
With more than 400 tigers and a larger number of elephants, leopards and other wild animals, the state is a favoured destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.
It is also worth mentioning here that various other states including Assam, Maharashtra and Kerala have already closed their protected areas to tourists.
The Archaeological Survey of India has also barred entry to archaeological/religious sites till further notice.
The Government of India too has directed that unnecessary travel be avoided as part of the precautionary measures against the spread of novel coronavirus.
