Udaipur, December 31, 2024 - Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve has been seeing a rise in tourist numbers during the New Year holidays. In response, the district police have issued a warning to safari operators and vehicle owners to stop offering leopard safaris after 7:00 PM.

Rising Tourism and Unregulated Safaris

Leopards in Jawai live in caves outside the protected area. Until now, there were no specific rules regarding safaris in the area. However, several incidents have occurred where tourists and operators chased leopards during the night.

New Rule for Safari Operators

A police officer stated, "Tourist numbers have increased this year. We met with hotel and guesthouse owners and asked them to complete safaris before 7:00 PM. Safari operators have also been warned not to conduct night safaris."

Unsafe Safari Practices on Social Media

Recently, a video appeared on social media showing safari vehicles driving recklessly, with tourists making loud noises and playing music in the leopards natural habitat. This led to concerns about the safety and well-being of the animals.

Forest Department Monitoring the Area

The forest department has instructed its staff to stay alert and monitor the area closely. "Teams will be keeping an eye on the region, and locals have been advised to report any illegal activities," said a forest official.

Leopard Tourism's Impact on the Local Economy

Jawai is home to around 40 hotels and 100 safari vehicles, all dependent on leopard tourism. Vishwaraj Singh Asop, a local conservationist, emphasized the importance of responsible tourism. "Wildlife tourism has created jobs and improved the local economy. However, we must protect the region for long-term benefits, not destroy it for quick profits," he said. Local residents have been working to conserve leopards and their natural habitat as their livelihood depends on it.

Source: Media Reports