7 March 2021.

Introduction:

On 4 March 2021,three national parks in Madhya Pradesh have started night safari. This step by the state isto boost  major boost tourism in the state.

Highlights

•  The introduction of night safaris in three national parks is a boon for  wildlife enthusiasts who can now experience the majestic animals at night.
•  The three parks include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park and Pench National Park.
• Usually, safaris are conducted during the day because tourists feel safer in the daylight. However, in day safari tourists miss out thenocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
•  So, now the state hopes to organise the safaris in a controlled manner.
•  Under the safaris, the routes will be decided by the state.
• It will be ensured that, neither the animals nor the tourists get vulnerable to harm.
•  The night safari can be booked on the Wildlife Safari Reservation portal. This portal is operated by forest department of the state.

Bandhavgarh National Park

• It is a national park located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
• The park has an area of 105 square kilometres.
• The park was declared a national park in the year 1968.
• It was designated as the Tiger Reserve in 1993. Currently, the core area is spread over 716 square kilometres.
• The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh stands at 8 tigers per km2, which is highest known population density.
• The park is also known for the breeding population of leopards and deer.
•  The state has fixed the time slot of 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
•  The safari would be conducted in the buffer zone.  
• Under the night safari, tourists can spot deer.

Pench National Park

• This national park was established in Madhya Pradesh in the year 1975.
• It has an area of 257.26 km2.
• The park derives the name from Pench River.
•  The park was designated a sanctuary in the year 1965, a national park in 1975 and tiger reserve in 1992.
• This park will be carrying the night safaris between 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
• Tourists can spot animals like jackal, wild boar and nocturnal birds.

Kanha National Park

• At this park, safaris will be carried out between 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
• The park is home to Barasingha, which tourists can spot during night safaris.
• The park is also known as Kanha–Kisli National Park.
• It is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh.