Feeding wild animals at SGNP will now cost you

A deer crosses the road as tourists visit the SGNP. File pic/Satej Shinde

To end the menace of feeding of wild monkeys and spotted deer by visitors at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), the forest authorities have decided to fine people Rs 1,000. Patrolling on the premises will be intensified to catch the violators.

Range Forest Officer Santosh Kank said, "Hundreds of tourists visit the SGNP daily and it has been found that some people feed monkeys and spotted deer fruits, biscuits, and other food items that are not good for the health of wild animals. In order to put an end to this, we have erected information boards, requesting people not to feed the wildlife. But if someone is still found feeding the wild animals, they will be fined Rs 1,000."

Forest officials warn that feeding of wild animals by visitors is an infringement of the Wildlife (Protection) Act

Forest guards will patrol the park frequently to keep a check and also educate people aboutst feeding the wildlife, Kank added. Many tourists and some morning walkers at the SGNP have been seen giving fruits to monkeys and biscuits to spotted deer. There have been instances where monkeys have snatched food items from the hands of tourists, which is dangerous to both.

Dr Shailesh Pethe, assistant commissioner (wildlife) at the SGNP, said, "The feeding of wild animals is an infringement of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, besides being an unhealthy practice. Generally, people feed wild animals food that is not good for their health. The animals could possibly consume food with the plastic cover, which can cause stomach issues. Moreover, wild animals' natural survival instincts teach them to stay away from humans, and feeding by visitors can lead to diminishing of the safety line, thus exposing them to potential poachers."

The forest authorities have time and again created awareness among visitors against dumping garbage, feeding or causing disturbance to the wildlife. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 3,000-4,000 tourists visited the SGNP daily, in addition to 500-600 morning walkers. As the Christmas vacation has started, the number of visitors has increased.

Rs 1,000
Fine to be imposed by forest authorities