The Forest Department has taken strict disciplinary action against two gypsy drivers and two nature guides after a video showing reckless safari behaviour surfaced on social media. The incident occurred in the Phato tourist zone of the Terai West Forest Division and involved safari vehicles chasing a tiger in violation of forest safety rules. The video, recorded on January 12 during a jungle safari, shows a tiger crossing a forest road. Shortly after, two gypsies were seen driving rapidly behind the animal in an attempt to give tourists a closer view. One of the drivers tried to prevent the vehicles from approaching the tiger, but his efforts were ignored as the two gypsies continued to pursue the animal at high speed.
Following the circulation of the footage, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Prakash Chandra Arya ordered immediate action against those involved. Gypsy drivers Amjad and Shamshad and nature guides Ashish Dafauti and Raj Karakoti have been barred from entering the forest for safari duties until further notice. The suspension orders were issued by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sandeep Giri. According to forest officials, safari drivers and guides are not permitted to take vehicles close to wild animals under any circumstances. The DFO stated that such behaviour not only disturbs wildlife but also places tourists and forest staff at risk. Instructions have been given to the staff of the Corbett Phato Range to remain alert and ensure that safari regulations are followed strictly.
Forest authorities have reiterated that maintaining a safe distance from wild animals is mandatory during safaris. • As per established guidelines, vehicles must keep a minimum distance of 30 metres from wildlife. • Additionally, a distance of at least 50 metres must be maintained between safari vehicles to avoid crowding around animals. • The department has also clarified that tourists are allowed to observe wild animals for no more than 15 minutes at a time. • Vehicles must not block roads or interrupt animals while they are crossing. Safari jeeps must not exceed a speed limit of 20 km per hour inside the forest. • Rules further prohibit tourists from stepping out of vehicles during safaris. • Carrying firearms, consuming alcohol, or bringing non-vegetarian food into the forest is strictly forbidden. • Any attempt to chase, shout at, or disturb wildlife is considered a serious offence. • Honking vehicle horns inside the forest area is also banned.
The Forest Department noted that registered nature guides are assigned to every safari vehicle to ensure that tourists follow these rules. However, in some cases, gypsy drivers ignore safety guidelines in an effort to satisfy tourists and earn extra money by offering close sightings of tigers. Officials have warned that such practices will not be tolerated. They emphasised that safaris are meant for observing wildlife responsibly, not for harassing animals. Continuous monitoring will be carried out in tourist zones to prevent similar incidents in the future and to protect both wildlife and visitors. The department has urged tourists to cooperate with forest staff and report any violations they witness during safaris. Authorities believe that strict enforcement of rules is essential to maintain ecological balance and ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved in jungle tourism.
