SAVE GUDISA GRASSLAND

This news report says that tourism is banned from GUDISA grasslands for 15 days. The reasons given is:
 
1. Conservation of wild life
2. Maintenance of grassland and
3. Removal of solid waste left behind by tourists

Do we really think that the objectives will be accomplished with a 15 day ban? Will wildlife get the confidence to return to this grassland in 15 days? Then when tourists come back will the wildlife still remain?

Let us be practical. It is a RESERVE FOREST. The forest department has the right to ban visitors from coming for long periods. True that locals who get money from visitors will be disadvantaged. A revenue compensation model can be worked out for them. But it is more important to safeguard the rare grassland.

If tourists are indeed allowed they must apply to the forest department for a permit. Only tourists carrying no solid waste should be allowed. See how they are doing it in Tamil Nadu near Kodaikanal. Let us learn from them.

BAN ALL TOURISM FROM THE GRASSLAND FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS. Give nature time to recover.

After that re-introduce it for mature tourists (yes they exist) who will adhere to the rules of visiting such valued and sensitive areas. Save our forests for research and for the future of humanity.

Sohan Hatangadi