Wildlife enthusiasts heading to Ranthambore National Park will need to leave their smartphones behind during safaris. The Rajasthan Forest Department has rolled out a blanket ban on mobile phones, complying with Supreme Court mandates to prioritize animal welfare.
Deputy Conservator Sanjeev Sharma detailed how the rule aims to curb disturbances that plague safaris. Phones encourage reckless proximity to animals for that perfect shot, resulting in clustered vehicles and disrupted ecosystems.
Judicial guidelines ban all forms of noise-making, reel-making, selfies, and close encounters. Officials warn that such habits not only endanger tourists but also alter the behavior of tigers and other species in this vital habitat.
Ranthambore, a cornerstone of India’s tiger conservation, cannot afford these setbacks. An earlier phone restriction for staff was withdrawn after protests, but the court’s intervention ensures enforcement this time around for everyone.
This policy shift underscores a push towards sustainable tourism. By eliminating gadgets, the park hopes to deliver immersive, safe experiences that respect nature’s rhythm, potentially inspiring similar measures nationwide.