Tadoba May Soon Transition All Safari Vehicles to Electric Power Nagpur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is finalizing a proposal to replace all tourist vehicles operating within the reserve with electric-powered alternatives. The initiative aims to address the high fuel consumption of existing petrol-run Gypsys, which collectively burn over 1,000 litres of fuel daily. Senior forest officials have confirmed that more than 300 vehicles are currently used for tourism in the reserve, with nearly all relying on petrol. The average route length for these vehicles is 35 km, and many are outdated, making spare parts increasingly difficult to source. The shift to electric vehicles is part of a broader effort to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent emphasis on fuel conservation. TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla highlighted the challenges of maintaining the current fleet, noting that many Gypsys are no longer manufactured, leading to higher maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. The vehicles’ off-road usage exacerbates wear and tear, with fuel efficiency dropping to single-digit kilometres per litre. “The cost of fuel escalates rapidly, as each vehicle on the safari circuit covers over 30 km daily,” Shukla explained. The proposal includes plans to explore financing options to help local vehicle owners afford the transition to electric vehicles. Participation from state and central government agencies, as well as private stakeholders, is being considered to share the financial burden. Shukla emphasized the economic implications for nearby tribal communities, who rely heavily on wildlife tourism for livelihoods. “An electric vehicle could cost upwards of Rs15 lakh, so we must find ways to make this transition affordable,” he said.#narendra_moddi #tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #prabhu_nath_shukla #wildlife_tourism #tribal_communities
