Safaris in Bandipur, Nagarahole national parks stopped

TNN | Oct 20, 2012, 03.55AM IST MYSORE: A day after the safari at Bandipur and Nagarahole national parks began, it has been suspended temporarily not because of Supreme Court direction but due to alleged interference. This is a setback to the tourism industry which has already took a hit with the recent Cauvery protests. The tiger sanctuaries were closed for over two-and-half months until Thursday when the Supreme Court ordered its reopening. A source from the forest department confirmed that they had received an oral communication from their higher authorities against taking any bookings for Friday. "However, we didn't get any explanation for stopping the safari a day after it began," the source said. Principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Dipak Sarmah confirmed to TOI that the safari had been stopped pending government approval. Even he refused to clarify the reason for the suspension. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Safaris-in-Bandipur-Nagarahole-national-parks-stopped/articleshow/16885600.cms

Corbett's Bijrani and Jhirna zones to reopen today

D S Kunwar, TNN | Oct 20, 2012, 03.22AM IST DEHRADUN: Two days after the Supreme Court allowed for the resumption of tourism activities in tiger reserves, Corbett National Park (CNP) administration on Friday decided to re-open its famous Bijrani and Jhirna Wildlife Zone for tourists beginning Saturday. CNP Director Ranjan Mishra told TOI that the decision was taken on a SC directive for resumption of tourism activities in tiger reserves across the country. These two wildlife Zones along with other Zones like Dhikala which were closed for tourists between June 30 and July 1 and were scheduled to reopen for tourists on October 15. Senior Corbett authorities said they could reopen Bijrani and Jhirna on October 15 as they were in process to complete certain formalities with this regards. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Corbetts-Bijrani-and-Jhirna-zones-to-reopen-today/articleshow/16885334.cms

4-member gang held; tiger pelt, claws seized

Kollegal, Oct 20, 2012 dhns: The CID forest squad nabbed a gang accused of smuggling tiger pelt, in Kollegal on Thursday. The arrested are Gowdalli Ramesh, Kollegal Rajashekar, Abbas and Chandru. Somanna of Amekaradoddi in Yalandur taluk, said to be the prime accused, is absconding. Tipped-off that a gang had poisoned a tiger to death six months ago and were trying to to sell its pelt for Rs 40 lakh, the squad led by sub-inspector Mahesh nabbed the gang on Mysore Road. The pelt and claws were seized. It is learnt that Somanna had stored the pelt at his house after processing it. S P Ashok A Anwekar of Madikeri CID forest squad also assisted the squad. Sub-inspector Mahesh and staff, Prakash, Ningaraju, Srikanta, Ravi, Ningarajappa, Jayashankar, Harish and Raghavendra were part of the operation. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/286634/4-member-gang-held-tiger.html

Hazaribagh’s tiger trap lies forgotten

FRIDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2012 17:26 RR SRIVASTAVA | HAZARIBAGH HITS: 61 In Hazaribagh, one always has two arguments about the nomenclature. Some say there were a thousand gardens here in the old days, while others say that the forests were the habitat of tigers. There is no evidence left of there ever having been gardens but one unique tiger trap in the forests of Hazaribagh sanctuary is evidence of the thousand tigers present here in the days of yore. The tiger trap was constructed by the king of Ramgarh before Independence. It is said to be India’s biggest tiger trap but is in a sorry state due to negligence of the forest department. The Hazaribagh sanctuary is situated on the Ranchi-Patna National Highway (NH) 33, about 18 km from district headquarters. Every year, many tourists visit this sanctuary but enough information on it has not been spread and they often miss it. Villagers of nearby areas have many stories about this trap and the king. They say that Raja Ramgarh was fond of giving unique gifts. With the help of this trap he caught many Royal Bengal tigers and gifted to other kings and Government officers. They also claim that before and after Independence, many high-profile personalities used to come here to fulfill their hunting passion. The tigers trap is about 40 feet in diametre and depth. In the middle a four feet diametre pole like structure is built. On this pole a goat was kept to attract the tiger. Its base is about 30 feet that is why it looks like a glass. It has 60 feet long inner way to reach inside the trap. Villagers say that the upper portion of the trap was first covered by leaves and then the goat was placed. Before 1980 Hazaribagh sanctuary was known as Hazaribagh National Park. Tourists from all over India use to come here to see the wild life and tree top watch houses. It was a famous shooting spot of Tollywood. With time the forests of Hazaribagh lost many precious flora and fauna, though Hazaribagh sanctuary is a place of attraction yet. If the forest and tourism department will include this tiger trap in the list of spots of attraction, it is sure that more people will visit to see India’s largest and biggest tiger trap. http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/ranchi/102823-hazaribaghs-tiger-trap-lies-forgotten.html