Raipur: In a significant step towards Environmental protectionthe Nandanvan Jungle SafariNava Raipur, the management has issued a new instruction to ensure a complete ban on carrying plastic bags, bottles, etc. into the safari park.
The Director of Jungle Safari, Dhammashil Ganavir, explained that from August 18, visitors will no longer be allowed to bring plastic items into the safari. In addition, the sale of products with plastic packaging is prohibited within the safari. Tourists are continuously educated about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and are made aware that they are environmentally friendly Lifestyle through the principles of recycling, reusing and reducing. The excessive use of plastic causes significant environmental damage and the government consistently discourages its use.
This initiative was taken on the instructions of Minister for Forests and Climate Change Kedar Kashyap and under the guidance of Chief Forest and Wildlife Officer Sudhir Agrawal.
The Jungle Safari at Naya Raipur is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. However, it remains closed on Mondays. Products packaged in plastic are no longer available at the safari park. The aim of the Jungle Safari is to raise awareness about measures to combat climate change.
The management has made it mandatory for visitors to get a barcode containing plastic bottles before entering the safari. Once they scan it, they have to pay a certain amount. For example, if the bottle costs 20 rupees, they have to pay 50 rupees. If they visit the safari and return with their bottles, the money will be refunded to them. This measure has been taken to stop the littering of plastic waste and to make the area clean and plastic-free.
Around 500 tourists visit the safari park every day. At weekends and during festivals the number of visitors increases, sometimes reaching over 1,000.
For the Jungle Safari tour, the fare for a non-AC bus is Rs 100. For children below 12 years, the fare is Rs 25. For an AC bus, the fare is Rs 150, for children below 12 years, the fare is Rs 50. Entry to the zoo is free for children below 12 years.
Tourists carrying cameras will have to pay additional fees, such as Rs. 100 for a still/digital camera and Rs. 500 for a handheld/video camera (regular). Commercial video cameras are not allowed without a permit.
The safari is divided into four enclosures where tourists can see tigers, lions, bears and deer in open areas. The bear safari covers 20 hectares while both the tiger and lion safaris are spread over 20 hectares each.