Proposed MP Pench Safari Fee Hike Sparks Concerns for Tourist Flow"

The proposed increase in safari fees at Pench, Madhya Pradesh, is stirring concerns among the common man and signaling a shift towards luxury-only experiences in this unique niche sector. For tourists from non-central India, especially those traveling 500 km or more to reach Pench, these safaris have always been big-budget endeavors. Now, with the impending hikes, even Nagpurians are feeling the pinch, as voiced by some resort owners.

Gaurav Chouksey, a renowned resort owner who earned a PhD for his tiger research in Pench, expressed his apprehension. The Gypsy charges have also surged to INR 4,000 on all days, up from the earlier INR 3,000 on premium days.

"This percentage-wise increase also applies to guide fees, permits, and the golden pass. Consequently, booking a Gypsy for the weekend could now cost nearly INR 10,000. Such exorbitant fees may slowly suffocate tourism. Should our precious forests be accessible only to the wealthy elite? It's time for collective brainstorming to find a viable solution," Chouksey emphasized.

Wilderness Woes: Safari fees

Amidst the safari fees hike turmoil in Pench, Tripura is envisioning its place on the world's tourism map. Chowdhury revealed that the Asian Development Bank has already granted INR 58.61 crore for renovating Chhabimura's unique rock works in Gomati district. Additionally, the Centre has approved INR 70 crore each for developing tourism destinations in Agartala and Unakoti under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Sanjay Nagar, a fellow resort owner in Pench, acknowledged that safari trips for outstation tourists have always been costly affairs.

"Frankly, a jungle trip is beyond the reach of the common man. Typically, a three-safari and three-night stay, including to and fro travel from Nagpur, would amount to INR 70,000. If we factor in the fare for reaching Nagpur, the budget soars to INR 1 lakh," Nagar lamented. He suggested introducing a significant number of canters, with and without prior bookings, to counteract the price hike.

Gaurav Agarwala shed light on the weekend premium rates, which aim to regulate tourism business over multiple days. Weekends witness a surge in visitors, causing struggles to secure rooms in good resorts, while weekdays only have around 20% occupancy in Pench. The idea behind the premium rates is to encourage weekend tourists to stagger their visits, motivating others to explore Pench on weekdays, availing lower prices.

Agarwala also observed a rise in non-safari tourists. He shared, "Our resort is a luxury haven. Approximately 60% of tourists come here to unwind and revel within the resort, never leaving its comforting embrace."

As the safari fee hike debate rages on, balancing accessibility and sustainability of Pench's natural wonders remains a pressing concern for all stakeholders involved.