In an exciting new endeavor, the Pune Forest Division is all set to introduce a unique grassland safari in the Pune and Solapur districts as part of its comprehensive grassland management program. The department has developed an online booking application for the safari, which is scheduled to be launched on October 18. This pioneering initiative marks a first of its kind in Maharashtra, according to Pune forest department officials.
The data from the forest department reveals that 3.27 percent of the total area, encompassing 2160.77 hectares, falls under the category of exclusive grasslands. These verdant expanses play a vital role in supporting the wildlife in the region, including herbivore and carnivore species like blackbuck, chinkara, hare, Indian wolf, Indian fox, Indian jackal, and striped hyena.
The sprawling grasslands hold tremendous potential for a safari experience, prompting the department to begin with two locations: Kadbanwadi in Indapur tehsil and Shirsufal in Baramati tehsil.
Mayur Bothe, the assistant conservator of forest (ACF), emphasized the unique ecosystem found in the grasslands of Indapur and Baramati, teeming with diverse animals and birds. To ensure the preservation of these vital grasslands, a systematic approach is imperative. Additionally, creating employment opportunities and involving local communities in conservation efforts are pivotal. Tourism emerges as an effective solution for generating employment in these areas, and thus, a well-structured tourism plan has been developed in collaboration with a joint forest management committee, which includes local community members.
The local community is being trained in management skills and as tour guides with the support of NGOs dedicated to wildlife protection and conservation. Two slots will be available for people to visit these grasslands, enhancing the opportunity for nature enthusiasts and the local population to explore and appreciate the unique ecosystem.
Plans for expansion in Pune and Solapur districts are also in the pipeline, as outlined by Mahadev Mohite, deputy conservator of forest in the Pune Forest Division.
Previously, entry into these reserve forest areas was often illegal. The introduction of organized tourism will not only allow the forest department to provide citizens and nature lovers with systematic access to these regions but also contribute to the preservation and sustainable development of the grasslands.
