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Key Points

Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal has implemented a complete ban on private vehicles entering the premises. Visitors can now use management-operated golf carts and electric vehicles to tour the park. The park director emphasized that this move balances tourism with animal safety and habitat protection. Parking facilities have been set up outside the park gates for private vehicles.

Key Points: Van Vihar National Park Bans Private Vehicles for Wildlife Safety

  • Private vehicles completely banned inside park to protect wildlife habitat
  • Electric vehicles and golf carts now available for tourist transportation
  • Walking and personal bicycles still permitted under existing rules
  • New parking facilities arranged outside both park gates for private vehicles
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Private vehicles banned inside Van Vihar National Park, management introduces eco-friendly transport for visitors

Bhopal's Van Vihar National Park introduces eco-friendly transport with golf carts and e-vehicles to protect wildlife while maintaining visitor access

"Promoting tourism as well as safety of animals both are important - Vijay Kumar, Park Director"

Bhopal, October 2

Van Vihar National Park Management in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has banned the entry of all private vehicles on the premises of the national park from October 1 aiming to protect environment and wildlife creatures.

The visitors and tourists will be permitted to visit inside the park with golf carts and e-vehicles operated by the management. While walking and cycles will continue to be permitted as before.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday flagged off the new fleet of electric vehicles to formally launch the arrangement. The park management claimed that decision would enhance the safety of animals and maintain an environment conducive to their natural habitat.

Director of Van Vihar National Park, Vijay Kumar told ANI, "Van Vihar is an habitat of wildlife creatures as well as it is also a rescue center and a zoo. The purpose of zoos is to make people aware and convey information about wildlife animals. So promoting tourism as well as safety of animals both are important and also, maintain an environment conducive to their natural habitat. In this direction, we have decided to ban the entry of private vehicles inside the park. Golf-carts, e-vehicles operated by the management will now be used for tourists to visit inside the park. While those who wish to walk or use bicycles can continue as per the old system."

The visitors will be provided gold-carts, e-vehicles or cycles operated by management according to the fee structure. Also, the fee structure has not been changed. It is the same as before, the park director said.

He further highlighted, "There are two options of the golf cart, first is a regular service, where carts will run every 5-10 minutes between Gate No 1 and Gate No 2 with short halts at 11 key spots like the tiger enclosure, snake park and butterfly park etc. A tourist will be charged Rs 60 for a ticket, one can get off at any point inside the park and get in any cart available at the moment. The second option is a if anyone needs a private golf cart (reserved) for a family can get for Rs 400 for 3 hours to visit the park."

On the other hand, the previously decided price for the cycle remains as it is, there is no change in rate. If any one enters with a personal cycle then the person will be charged Rs 30 else if one uses the cycle provided by the park management then will be charged Rs 40, he said.

Parking facilities for the private vehicles have been arranged outside the park. Two-wheelers parking facility is arranged at both Gate no 1 and Gate no 2 while four-wheeler vehicles or heavy vehicle parking is available only at Gate no 2 of the park, he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some sensible environmental measures! I visited last month and the vehicle exhaust was really disturbing. Hope other national parks in MP follow this example. The pricing seems reasonable too.
A
Aditya G
Good initiative but I hope they maintain adequate number of golf carts. On weekends, there might be long queues. Also, what about elderly visitors who need frequent breaks? Hope they've considered accessibility.
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Sarah B
As a wildlife enthusiast, I appreciate this move. Too many private vehicles disrupt animal behavior patterns. The electric vehicles will make the experience more peaceful for both animals and visitors. Well done Van Vihar! 🐾
M
Michael C
₹400 for 3 hours for a private golf cart seems fair for family outings. Much better than dealing with parking hassles inside. Hope the parking facilities outside are secure and well-managed.
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Nisha Z
While I support the environmental cause, I'm concerned about the implementation. During peak season, will there be enough transport? Also, what about visitors with small children and all their stuff? Hope they've planned properly.

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