Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and other wildlife sanctuaries reopen; here are the safety rules

After a long break, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra will reopen from October 1, 2020. However, taking into account the ongoing COVID-19 scare, authorities will allow only a limited number of tourists per vehicle for the safari.

Reportedly, the reopening of the tiger reserve also depends on the approval by the local administration and natives. In case they fear the spread of virus due to reopening, they may bar it again.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary to reopen from September 15; Karnataka’s Nandi Hills reopen too
Likewise, Noida’s Okhla Bird Sanctuary is also open for visitors. All safety rules to prevent transmission of Coronavirus will be applicable in this sanctuary. A hi-resoution, 360-degrees camera for real-time bird-watching, more new shelters and sheds and signage denoting flora and fauna are the new highlights of this sanctuary.

The famous Nandi Hills near Bengaluru in Karnataka also reopened for tourists on September 7. Reportedly, as many as 15000 tourists thronged the site in the first week of its opening. The number is only expected to rise in the coming days.
COVID-19 safety rules for entry into national parks

• Children below the age of 10 years of age, visitors above 65 and pregnant women won’t be allowed entry.
• Not more than six people including a driver and a guide per vehicle will be allowed.
• Physical distancing, sanitising, thermal scanning and masks are compulsory.
• Wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and sanitising hands is compulsory. In addition, visitors will be thermally scanned.
• Symptomatic people will not be allowed to enter the park even if they have booked a safari.