Kanha park visitors' schedule changed

Mandla(MP), Aug 11(UNI) Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh will be reopened after monsoon season on October 15 in 2009 as against October 1 this year.

Announcing this at a press conference here yesterday, Forest Minister Vijay Shah said earlier the national park was kept closed for visitors from June 21 to September 30, but few years ago the ban was enforced upto October 31, but was preponed to September 30 few years ago under the pressure of the hotel lobby.

Since October is mainly considered the breeding season for wild animals, experts suggested to keep the park closed for visitors in October, Mr Shah said.

After visiting the park spread over Mandla and adjoining districts, Mr Shah said bison and Barahsinga which are facing extinction would be shifted from Kanha to other national parks for its better upkeep and protection. The stable population of Barahsinga is a matter of concern, he pointed out adding experts were being consulted.

All aspects would be taken into count before transferring tiger cubs from Kanha to Bhopal's Van Vihar, he added.

UNI XC-SP 1239