Forest department strictly enforces prohibition on picnics in 'jungle' areas

The picnic season — late Dec to early Feb — draws large crowds to popular spots like Kulik in Uttar Dinajpur, Murti in Jalpaiguri, and Chilapata in Alipurduar

- MP BUREAU

ALIPURDUAR/NORTH DINAJPUR/SOUTH DINAJPUR/SILIGURI: The Forest department has banned picnics in reserved forests and areas near forests in North Bengal to protect wildlife and their habitats. While picnics in reserved forests were already restricted, the new guidelines extended the prohibition to popular spots near forested regions, to ensure a conducive environment for conservation. Forest workers are strictly monitoring the ban.

The picnic season, from late December to early February, draws large crowds to popular spots like Kulik in Uttar Dinajpur, Murti in Jalpaiguri and Chilapata in Alipurduar, with 10,000-15,000 daily visitors during peak days. Bhaskar JV, Chief Forester of North Bengal's Wildlife Wing, shared the rationale for the decision: "Picnics cause significant harm to wildlife and their habitats.

This year, we have identified critical areas and implemented restrictions to address these concerns.