Talking Point
Achala Misra
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, a jungle safari is a thrilling, adventurous and rejuvenating experience. It brings them in close proximity to diverse wildlife and gives them an opportunity to explore stunning natural landscapes. It also gives them an educational insight into conservation efforts. Participants typically ride in open vehicles with knowledgeable guides who help locate animals and share information about the flora and fauna. The experience fosters a deeper connection with nature and can be both exciting and tranquil, with highlights including spotting majestic animals, birdwatching and appreciating the rich biodiversity of forests and grasslands.
However, sometimes the adventurous excursion can turn unpleasant, as happened recently last month in Ranthambhor. On August 16, a safari guide in Ranthambore National Park allegedly abandoned nearly 20 tourists after their vehicle broke down inside the tiger reserve. The incident received wide publicity, causing outrage and prompting an investigation into the incident. The guide reportedly left the stranded group to find a replacement vehicle but never returned, leaving the tourists, including women and children, in the jungle for over 90 minutes. Needless to state, the authorities banned the involved personnel, including the guide and drivers, from the park pending the completion of a detailed inquiry into the negligence.
As per reports in the media, the tourists' safari vehicle (a canter) broke down mid-route, leaving them stranded. The guide allegedly abandoned the group to find another vehicle, but he never came back. The tourists were left stranded for about 90 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes. As per reports, the incident occurred at around 6.00 PM in Zone 6 of the park, which houses over 60 tigers as well as leopards, sloth bears and marsh crocodiles. The stranded tourists said the guide initially claimed he was going to fetch another vehicle, but never returned. They also alleged that he misbehaved with the group before disappearing. There were few takers for the view that he had trekked through the forest to bring help, because he did not bring help.
A video of the incident went viral showing the tourists scattered around in the dark and children attempting to navigate using their mobile phone flashlights. The group remained stuck in the dense forest until approximately 7.30 PM, when a rescue team finally arrived.
The incident sparked outrage among the public and raised questions about visitor safety in the park. A detailed investigation into the negligence was ordered by park authorities. The guide and three Canter drivers were banned from entering the park until the inquiry was complete. Park authorities reiterated that the safety of tourists was a top priority and assured that strict action would be taken against those found violating protocols.
To note, this park is one of India's 54 designated tiger reserves, known for its significant tiger population and a range of other wildlife. Tourists visit Ranthambore for thrilling safari experiences, entrusting their safety to local guides. The incident highlights a broader context of concerns, including reports of recent tiger attacks on humans within the park.
Problems with jungle safaris in India include safety risks from unpredictable wildlife and guide misconduct, such as being abandoned in dangerous areas. In recent incidents, guides have abandoned tourists after vehicle breakdowns, leaving them stranded in areas known for high concentrations of dangerous animals like tigers. Then there are logistical challenges like vehicle breakdowns and poor booking experiences. Tourists have reported issues with booking, including being overcharged or receiving incorrect permits for specific zones within parks. Safaris can be disrupted by vehicle breakdowns in remote areas, potentially leaving tourists stranded and in vulnerable situations.
Environmental concerns such as habitat damage from off-road driving, littering and the potential stress on wildlife from excessive tourism also pose problems. Wild animals can become aggressive if they feel threatened, leading to attacks on vehicles or people, especially when boundaries are crossed or human actions provoke them. Even calm animals can be dangerous, so maintaining a safe distance from all wildlife is crucial to prevent attacks and fatal encounters. A lack of strict enforcement of regulations by park authorities can lead to unruly tourists, drivers, and guides acting inappropriately, harming wildlife and the park.
Off-road driving, littering, and damaging vegetation can harm sensitive ecosystems and disrupt wildlife habitats. Loud noises, bright flashes and feeding animals can stress wildlife and alter their natural behavior, making them dependent on humans or aggressive. Illegal logging for safari projects and the introduction of captive animals into wild habitats, even within "safari parks", raise concerns about ecosystem integrity and animal welfare.
HV Gireesha, Chief Conservator of Forests (Jhansi) , Department of Forests and Wildlife, Uttar Pradesh, said the incident was surprising because guides were trained and though there was no mobile network in the forests, there was patrolling throughout. However, he suggested a mesh network could be used between foresters, tour operators and guides, etc., so that an SOS could be sent out in case of an emergency. He also said it would be a good idea to fit all safari vehicles with GPS so that their movement could be monitored and if they were found stuck at a place for too long, help could be sent out.
Mangesh Thakur, a tour operator from Maharashtra, said: “No one knows exactly what happened, but the guide’s leaving the tourists stranded was wrong. It has happened to me also that the vehicle broke down. In such a case, we have to stay there. Either the driver or the guide, one of these two people, goes and informs the foresters and gets another vehicle from outside. This is the actual process. That the vehicle broke down is accidental. The guide's job was to inform the gate manager from outside that the vehicle had broken down and a replacement was needed immediately. When I take a tour, I also accompany them. But after going inside, whatever work has to be done, the guide and the driver have to do it. If they need any help from me, then I will give it.”
“The network is fine in the jungle. In Tadoba, guides have mobiles, and luckily, there is a network there as well. If there is any problem anywhere, they talk on the phone and solve the matter immediately. That means they don't have to wait that long. Earlier, a vehicle was lost because at that time they had made a new rule that the driver and the guide would not have mobile phones. So, in all safaris, first of all, the driver needs access to the mobile. See, there may not be a network. But he knows if he walks a few hundred metres, he will find the network. They can also start a mesh network, but I do not think the foresters are that mature,” he added.
Another issue that he cited was of basic amenities. “Maharashtra earns a lot of revenue from Tadoba, but the washrooms are still not good there, neither for ladies nor for gents. If you enter from Khutwanta, there is a checkpoint in between. The washroom there is so dirty that it is useless. Especially in the mornings, people who have diabetes need washrooms and they need clean ones. Sometimes, even basic facilities are not available in some places. Compared to Maharashtra, the services and facilities in Madhya Pradesh are very good. If you are in the field, then you do not have that problem. I may be wrong because I have not been to Ranthambore. But it is a known fact that the guides there are very desperate for tips. People pay money to see the tiger. So, if money is involved, I can also create such a scenario that maybe something will happen, and I will leave from there, and then I will not return. So, if there is such a scenario, then that is also wrong because whether to pay or not should be ultimately optional. This is the problem in Ranthambore that the travel guides talk about tips in advance. That culture is not there in Maharashtra. Guides of Maharashtra will put in a lot of effort. If they get a tip, fine, if not, then also it is OK. Also, the guides in Ranthambhore are somewhat arrogant.” He stressed: “Tip culture should be optional. If the person is giving it, then it is a different matter. But if you are asking for it from the front and they are not agreeing to it, then it should not have an impact on your journey.”
On the complaint of some tourists that guides were silent or did not show other wildlife apart from tigers, he said people primarily went to see tigers. Guides knew if they showed tigers, they would get a tip. That behaviour change had now become a trend. “If you ask Tadoba guides a lot about birds, they will not understand or they will not even tell you. If it is me, I have been birding for 15 years. I used to catch snakes and now I am into tigers, so if I am in a jeep and I feel that this bird looks good, I will stop the vehicle and say wait for two minutes. But if a person like me is not in a jeep, then he will take you directly in front of the tiger and show you the tiger there.” He said if there was a complaint about a guide, the forest department should ban him. “But ultimately, they are all local people, earning their livelihood in this way. Speaking for myself, I know all my guides and select them very carefully.” On open vehicles being risky, he said wild animals were scared of human beings. Also, a Gypsy was a big vehicle for them. So, they would avoid both.
Dudhwa field director Rajamohan said: “We take exams to select guides and train them. We select the most useful and hardworking people. This is the lean season, so we are starting training now. And apart from this, we have a wireless network. The entire park is connected with a wireless network, and our staff also keeps patrolling around. We have also installed cameras here and there. Our information collection is quick. A safari vehicle does not go to one place and get dumped. Though the wireless is for field staff only and not guides, our staff is on patrol everywhere and there are checkpoints on all seven routes. Our staff also keeps an eye from machan (scaffolding) on trees. They have walkie-talkies so that they can pass on information quickly. If a vehicle stops at one place for too long, we will know and bring it back safely. However, no such incident has taken place till now. We keep some kind of surveillance on all seven routes so that no incident takes place. Should something happen, we will know within ten to fifteen minutes. Sometimes, some people get out of the vehicle and start taking photographs. They have also been caught and punished because it is forbidden. They should not get out of the vehicle under any circumstances. So, we take utmost care of tourists' safety.”
As for basic facilities, he said there were clean washrooms on check posts and efforts were underway to improve them. On the Ranthambhore incident, he said it was very wrong on the part of the guide. The tourists were guests; they should not have been stranded like this.
How to best counter the problems
Park rules should be followed: People should adhere strictly to all safety guidelines and rules provided by park authorities to ensure both their own safety as well as that of the wildlife.
Responsible operators: People should support operators with good, eco-friendly and sustainable practices and report any unethical behaviour from guides or drivers.
No stepping out: People should stay inside their vehicles, avoid loud noises and flash photography and dispose of trash responsibly to minimise impact on the environment and animals.
Misconduct must be reported: Tourists can use social media, review sites or organisations like Tour Operators for Tigers (TOFT) to share experiences and promote better practices.
Basic amenities: There should be provision of clean washrooms and other necessary facilities.
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