Corbett National Park closes following staff strike

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), May 1 (ANI): Flash protest by forest officials and other staff has forced closure of Uttarakhand's famous Jim Corbett National Park.

Many tourists had to return disappointed due to the strike.

The striking workers are demanding salaries in accordance with Union Government's pay scale to forest officials and promotion of forest guards, who have been working in the park for the last twelve years.

The striking workers said they would not allow the park to open for visitors till their long-standing demands are met.

"If needed other than Corbett, we will close other parks also including the Lachhiwala picnic spot in Dehradun. We have completely closed the Corbett and it will remain closed until our demands are met," said Sriram, general secretary of wildlife protection committee.

The strike has left many tourists and wildlife lovers disappointed.

"We came to Corbett and realized that it's closed as the workers are on strike. We repeatedly requested them to let us in at least once, but no one paid any heed. We were not expecting this. Our money and time both have been wasted," said Namrata, a tourist.

Situated in Nainital district, the Jim Corbett National Park is home to many critically endangered animals including the Bengal tiger of India.

The park is named after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment. (ANI)