Jaipur: The forest administration at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) Tuesday issued notices to nine safari vehicle owners and drivers for violating safari protocols within the reserve. The violations occurred between June 19 and June 21 in Zone 2, where the vehicles were found making unauthorised U-turns inside the core area.The notice stated that such manoeuvres are strictly prohibited and constitute a violation under Section 28 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These regulations are designed to minimise disturbances to wildlife, particularly in sensitive tiger habitats. “The vehicles were identified based on surveillance inputs and field monitoring. The concerned owners have been asked to provide an explanation within three days. Failure to respond may result in strict punitive action, including temporary bans, blacklisting, or cancellation of safari registration,” an official said.Evidence indicated that several gypsy and canter operators breached reserve protocols by getting dangerously close to tiger cubs.
