The park closures will impact not only tourists but also tour guides, jeep operators, entertainers, cultural performers, and businesses situated near the protected forests and national parks.
From June 16th, all national parks and protected forests in the Dooars are off-limits to tourists. This includes Gorumara, Neora Valley, and Chapramari in Jalpaiguri district, as well as Jaldapara, Buxa, and other forest areas in Alipurduar district.
Every year, from June 16th to September 15th, the Forest Department declares the breeding season for wildlife. During this period, forest areas are closed to human visitors. Dense monsoon vegetation and treacherous roads add to the risk. Moreover, restricting access helps ensure the safety and undisturbed life cycles of wild animals.
During this time, jeep safaris, elephant rides, and overnight stays in forest bungalows are all suspended. Naturally, many tourists are disappointed, since they won’t be able to venture deep into the jungle to see rhinos, elephants, bison, or peacocks.
Local tourism businesses suffer commercially. Jeep operators and tourist guides in the Dooars are requesting alternative work from the Forest Department, as they face three months of unemployment. In the meantime, they have to keep paying taxes on their jeeps. Guides either travel to other states or find casual work to sustain themselves during this dry spell.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of Forest Ranger Sanjay Dutta from the Lataguri Range, the Jalpaiguri Forest Department has launched a special initiative. They’ve gathered local tribal men and women—artists and musicians—to entertain visitors at forest bungalows and campsites outside the restricted zones. Yet even these cultural performers lose their jobs during the forest closure, as no tourists come. They often have no choice but to do manual labor in other villages, since forest villagers rarely find work in tea plantations. Likewise, many small local businesses in the area suffer greatly from the complete shutdown.
Amid all this, the Jalpaiguri Forest Department has proposed to the state forest office to keep certain facilities open outside the forest boundaries for tourists—such as watchtowers and bungalows at Kalikhapur, Dhupjhora, Panjhora, Hornbill Camp, and Chukchuki—at the request of those involved in tourism.
The Forest Department confirms that all national parks and protected forests will reopen on September 16th. From that date onward, tourists will again be able to enjoy the jungle beauty and wildlife of the Dooars.
