Pune residents are buzzing with excitement over the success of the Grassland Safari initiative, recently launched in the grasslands of Pune and Solapur districts by the Forest Department. This new initiative has not only boosted the income of local villagers but has also added to the revenue of the Maharashtra Forest Department. Tourists have also benefited from this initiative by gaining valuable knowledge about wildlife.
It has been a year since the Grassland Safari kicked off in Baramati and Indapur in Pune district, as well as parts of Solapur district. The safari, which takes place at Kadbanwadi in Indapur taluka and Shirsufal in Baramati taluka, offers visitors an up-close view of wildlife. From wolves and hyenas to Indian gazelles and jackals, along with a variety of grassland birds and reptiles, this sanctuary has become a hotspot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Throughout the year, numerous tourists have enjoyed the safari experience. The Forest Department has organized a total of 3,044 trips, benefiting 30 local families directly and indirectly. Local nature guides have earned a total of Rs. 15,22,000, while the Forest Department has seen an additional income of Rs. 19,55,000. In total, the initiative has generated a revenue of Rs. 34,77,300, with Kadbanwadi contributing 75% of the income.
The success of this initiative has not only provided sustainable employment opportunities for trained local guides but has also set a precedent for ecotourism that can be replicated in other parts of the state. NR Praveen, a Forest Department official, expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, “The grassland safari has become a shining example of wildlife conservation and livelihood generation. Eco-tourism has seen significant growth over the past year, thanks to the support of the villagers.”
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