From today, no entry to vehicles without GPS in Ranthambore

THE MOVE IS AIMED AT EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF THE VEHICLES SO THAT THEY DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THE PERMITTED TRACK

Beginning Thursday, only vehicles equipped with global positioning system (GPS) would be permitted inside Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Additional principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) GV Reddy has already issued directive that vehicles without GPS device won’t be allowed to take tourists inside the Reserve.

The move is aimed at effective monitoring of vehicles so that they do not deviate from the permitted track.

There had been complaints that drivers often deviate from the routes while taking tourists on safari.

The forest department had recently held a two-day camp for the drivers for installing GPS device.

A total of 719 vehicles have been given permit to ply inside the reserve for safari. They include 412 Gypsy cars and 307 canters.

Chief conservator of forest and field director, Ranthambore Tiger Project, Y K Sahu said, “We had introduced the provision of installing the GPS device in October 2016. However, the vehicle owners kept delaying it. The move was initiated to ensure effective monitoring and discipline inside the reserve.”

He said the forest department gave the owners three chances to get their vehicles fitted with the GPSD device.

“At present, 200 Gypsy cars and 150 canters have got the GPS installed,” he added.

Ranthambore drivers’ union president Mukesh Meena claimed that forest officials had asked them to get the GPS installed by a specific person, who was over charging. “We have now called another supplier and are getting the GPS fitted in our vehicles,” Meena said.

“We never had issues with GPS but the process got delayed as we are protesting against the violation of the roster system by the department. The forest officials allow the vehicles of hotel owners by violating the roster system, in the name of choice system,” he alleged.

Under choice system, an individual interested in safari can opt for another vehicle instead of the one scheduled according to roster by paying additional money.

However Sahu refuted the allegations.

He said the department never asked to get GPS from a specific person but asked for only such device that was compatible with the software designed by department of information and technology. Supporting the choice system, he said, “Any person paying for safari should get good facilities, which includes clean and good vehicles, and a good drive.”