The allure of Kaziranga National Park, famed for its iconic one-horned rhinoceros, draws thousands of visitors each year. However, a recent near-fatal encounter between tourists and a charging rhino, which has made rounds of social media along with grabbing headlines, has cast a spotlight on serious safety lapses in the park’s safari operations.
The journey of Kaziranga National Park began in 1905 when it was proposed as a reserve forest and opened to visitors in 1938. Finally, in 1968, through the Assam National Park Act, it was designated a National Park and later a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It attracts tourists from across the globe for its unique one-horned rhinoceros.
The rhino, with its bulky stature, is an appealing animal yet possesses remarkable agility. It can run at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, making it the fastest land mammal over 1,000 kilogrammes. Although their eyesight is poor, rhinos have an extraordinary sense of smell and hearing. Their horns, made of keratin protein, are a distinctive feature.
Assam has one of the highest potentials for ecotourism in the country and the government has introduced various schemes and awareness campaigns to promote it. However, with the recent surge in tourist numbers, concerns about quality and safety have also increased.
A recent video of a family’s narrow escape from a charging rhino has gone viral on social media and reported by several news outlets. The backstory of the incident, however, is no longer a mystery.
The safari began at Kaziranga National Park’s Bagori Range when a family embarked on a joyride but later faced the unforeseen. While admiring the mesmerising rhinoceros, the driver suddenly accelerated the vehicle, causing a young girl standing on the vehicle to topple over.
Matters worsened when her mother jumped out to save her and a rhino charged towards them. Fortunately, both were rescued, but the incident continued to create chaos among other safari jeeps in the area.
This is not an isolated case of reckless driving by safari operators; many such incidents remain unreported within the woods. The tendency to thrill tourists with risky manoeuvres has become a troubling feature of Jeep safaris, not just in Assam but across the country.
Numerous videos have surfaced online, showing misconduct by drivers, including drunk driving, underage operators, improper handling of vehicles and accidents while fleeing from animals. The vehicles used for safaris are often outdated sport utility vehicles (SUV) with negligible safety features and poor maintenance exacerbates the situation.
Although the forest department has expressed concern and taken proactive steps to instil discipline among safari drivers, more comprehensive measures are required for tangible improvements.
Stricter guidelines must be introduced and prioritised within the ecotourism sector. Every protected area in India should uphold professional standards for safari services.
Kaziranga National Park, as a leading example, should be subject to more stringent regulations. The recruitment and training process for drivers should be robust, given the challenges of navigating off-road trails. Proper knowledge and experience are essential for driving in forested areas.
Additionally, the vehicles used for safaris should be upgraded and customised with enhanced safety features. Routine vehicle inspections before commencing safaris, along with mandatory alcohol testing via breathalysers, should be enforced to prevent breakdowns during emergencies.
Sensitive habitats within protected areas must be approached with caution to avoid disturbing wildlife. Visitors should also be briefed on the terrain and potential animal encounters as part of pre-tour safety protocols.
Maintaining a safe distance from animals is crucial. Reckless driving or sudden acceleration near wildlife may provoke them, causing unnecessary distress and increasing the likelihood of attacks. Respecting the territorial integrity of wildlife should be a fundamental principle, and careless driving within protected areas must be strictly prohibited.
Achieving harmony between humans and nature will open up greater opportunities for ecotourism. While there are many ways to ensure safety for visitors, the regulation of jeep safaris should be enforced nationwide across all protected areas to build trust in the experiences offered. The quality and safety of this sector are of utmost importance, reflecting the true beauty of India’s protected areas.
Satyamjit Neog is pursuing PhD (Forestry) from the Assam Royal Global University
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth