Buxa Tiger Reserve Closed Till September 15: New Travel Restrictions Explained

As the monsoon season arrives, the famous Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district has been suspended until September 15. Not only this, but the department has now introduced new travel restrictions. Want to know what they are? Read on!

Buxa Tiger Reserve Closes Until September 15

As per a report by The Hindu, along with the closure, the forest department has implemented new travel restrictions, allowing only residents to use the state-run bus services that pass through the reserve. Like many other national parks and wildlife reserves across the state, Buxa Tiger Reserve will be closed to tourists from June 16 to September 15 every year during the monsoon. While people of Buxa and Jainti villages continue to travel daily to Alipurduar and nearby towns, officials have made it clear that only locals will be allowed to board the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses operating through the reserve.

The forest department official told the portal that they want to ensure that no tourists enter the BTR area during these three months. Residents, however, are free to travel through the forest to reach Alipurduar from their villages and vice versa. Currently, the NBSTC runs one daily bus service between Alipurduar and Jainti, as well as two trips to Buxa, making it an important transport link for villagers.

Also Read: IFS Officer Shares Image Of A Rare Clouded Leopard Spotted In Buxa Tiger Reserve

Locals Raise Concern Over Lack Of Official Identification

While the rule seeks to prevent tourist movement inside the reserve, residents have raised concerns over the lack of an official identification system. A resident of the Buxa hills told the portal that the department has imposed the restriction but hasn’t issued identity cards to residents. This could create confusion while travelling.

According to NBSTC authorities, the burden of finding eligible passengers currently rests with the bus conductor, who is comfortable with most local tourists as he operates the route regularly.

Also Read: Go On India’s First Ever Hot Air Balloon Safari Over A Tiger Reserve In Madhya Pradesh

The arrangement has also raised questions about how relatives visiting local families will be handled during the three-month closure. Addressing these issues, West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said residents would not face inconvenience if family members came to visit.

Have you ever visited Buxa Tiger Reserve?

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal