The forest department has initiated an enquiry in a matter related to a private gala party organised by a luxury hotel in the prohibited Jhalana leopard reserve. Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Vankdoth Ketan Kumar said that the department has taken cognizance of the matter and has asked ACF Raghuveer Meena to investigate into the matter.
“We will get the investigation report by Monday. We will take strong action against officials involved in this so that such incidents never happen in future,” said Kumar, who is a 2014 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.
The Case:
According to sources, a luxury branded hotel on Delhi Road organised a private party in the conserved area of the Jhalana leopard reserve on last Thursday. The party was organised in violations all norms of a reserve. Sources said that a temporary live kitchen was constructed in the reserve area and guests were served dishes in restricted zone.
Sources said that in preliminary enquiry, guests aboard in hotel vehicles came to Jhalana leopard park where a female guard stopped them from entering. Soon after the female guard had to let them in on recommendation of a forest department officer.
“We are investigating each and every bit of the case. It's really sad that forest department officials are letting this illegal thing happen in reserve forest area,” said an official.
Sunil Mehta, member of state wild life board lambasted the forest officials for fiasco.
Sunil Mehta, member, Rajasthan State Wildlife Board
“How can a hotel organise buffet party where even carrying food stuff is not allowed? This must have been done in connivance with forest officials. I will complain to chief minister Ashok Gehlot about it,” Mehta said.
What is Jhalana Safari Park
The Jhalana Leopard Safari Park is a leopard reserve located in Jaipur. It is surrounded by Aravali hills, the oldest mountain series in India. Jhalana became a leopard reserve in 2017. The reserve is spread over an area of 20 square kms, with immense flora and fauna present in the park. It houses more than 40 leopards and is a great attraction for tourists.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
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