Gujarat advances conservation: eco-tourism, new sanctuaries and visitor policies in protected forests

The Gujarat government has moved to promote eco-tourism in protected forest areas while framing visitor policy guidelines to safeguard wildlife and local communities. This piece outlines the key decisions, conservation steps, and what they mean for travellers and transfers.

Major conservation moves at a glance

Officials discussed several initiatives at the 26th meeting of the State Wildlife Board in Gandhinagar, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Highlights include the inclusion of the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in the National Program for Bear Conservation and observations of a tiger in Ratanmahal Sanctuary, raising hopes it may settle permanently. Plans to identify a sanctuary for Gujarat’s growing leopard population were also tabled.

Decisions and directives

• National program inclusion: Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Banaskantha) added to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change initiative.
• Tiger presence: A tiger was sighted in Ratanmahal Sanctuary, prompting plans for local protection and community engagement.
• Visitor policy: Directives issued to promote eco-tourism while ensuring visitor guidelines prevent disturbance to wildlife.
• Leopard sanctuary study: Plans to identify a dedicated area to support rescued and wild leopards.

Community participation and capacity building

Officials emphasized training local residents in collaboration with the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) to foster community-based protection. Such programs aim to combine conservation goals with livelihood opportunities, ensuring residents have a role in monitoring, visitor management, and interpretation services.

Planned community initiatives

• Training for wildlife monitoring and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
• Guidance on responsible tourism practices for local guides and homestays.
• Involvement of local elected representatives in planning and oversight.

Infrastructure and facilities approved

About 18 proposals related to internal infrastructure were reviewed for sanctuaries and national parks. These proposals focus on improving basic services without compromising habitat integrity.

Balancing access and protection

The Chief Minister instructed the Forest Department to ensure that the rise in visitor numbers does not disturb wildlife. The goal is to promote sustainable eco-tourism that supports conservation funding while protecting sensitive habitats.

What this means for travellers and transfer services

For visitors planning trips to Gujarat’s sanctuaries, expect clearer visitor rules, more structured access, and potentially new interpretive experiences led by trained locals. Transport operators, taxis and private transfer services will need to align with permit systems, restricted routes, and timing windows designed to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Practical tips for travellers

• Book transfers that know permit requirements and sanctuary timings.
• Choose providers who respect low-impact travel and local guidelines.
• Prefer vehicles with experienced drivers familiar with sanctuary access.

These developments are likely to make planning easier for tourists who prefer precise, reliable travel arrangements; platforms that let you view vehicle make, model, driver ratings and exact fares in advance will be especially useful for trips to remote or regulated areas.

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In summary, Gujarat’s push for eco-tourism and tighter visitor policies aims to protect wildlife while opening responsible opportunities for travellers. The state’s steps — from national conservation program membership to community training and infrastructure upgrades — will shape access to sanctuaries and influence how taxis, private transfers, and tour operators plan routes, fares and services. For travellers seeking exact details, fair prices and a reliable driver, platforms that show car type, seat configuration, license and real ratings make booking easier and safer. Whether you need a transfer to the airport, a private seater for a day trip, or a longer destination transfer, transparent services help you get the best experience while respecting wildlife and local communities. LocalsRide.com offers this kind of global, user-friendly solution with clear information on vehicle, driver and fare, making it simpler to book tailored transfers and trips with confidence.