GHRC probes pvt portals charging excessive fees

Commission demands answers on exorbitant fees and unauthorised bookings for Gir Safari

- Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau

The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance and sought an explanation from top officials of the forest department and private web-site operators regarding online bookings by private portals for the Gir Lion Safari and other activities in and around the Gir National Park, the biggest tourist destination for Asiatic lions.

The GHRC’s action follows an oral complaint about a private website, ‘Gir National Park,’ which has the email ID ‘gironlinebooking@ gmail.​com’, and allegedly takes bookings for the Gir Safari without authorisation from the forest department, charging exorbitant rates from tourists.

The GHRC has also taken other private portals under its purview by an order issued by its chairperson Justice Dr K J Thaker.

Explanation sought