Guide confusion worry for Sundarbans tourism

Kolkata: A new rule on guide allotment introduced in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve has led to confusion over hiring of guides by tourists in the delta.

Sources said the rule, which mandates allotment of guides during the online booking itself, is unprecedented and is not in effect in any tiger reserve in India.

Even though the forest dept has assured that it will be enforced only after discussions at proper level, the booking permits with mandatory allotment of guides and their details have created the confusion.

More than 40 eco-tourism guides in Sajnekhali and other tourism ranges are on protest since past 11 days.

“New guide rules specify hiring of the guide , name of whom appears during online booking. But many tourists are finding it difficult as the guides often fail to meet their standards in terms of identifying species in the forest or other communication-related issues. For example, foreign tourists always prefer guides who speak and understand English. But during online booking, the guide who is being allotted to them, may not meet the criteria,” said a veteran guide.

“At times, the guide allotted during online application is not available. In such a scenario, the tourists are net being allowed to hire other guides who are available. We are on a peaceful sit-in since May 27,” said veteran guide Himansu Mandal. A tourist recently posted a video on social media as he had to visit the Sundarbans without a guide after his allotted guide failed to turn up and he was not allowed to hire other guides available.

“The online system will take some time to revert to the old module. The guides are free to follow old rules as this new guideline won’t be enforced now, “ said a senior forester.