(a) whether the poachers are most active during monsoons in the National Parks when it is
closed to the tourist;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to open the National Parks throughout the year with the
development of all weather roads so that tourism and patrolling by the forest officials is done
throughout the year; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a)&(b) Protected Areas including National Parks are comparatively more vulnerable during the
monsoon season because of damage to roads and other communication systems due to heavy rains.
(c)&(d) The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has no proposal of issuing any directive
to the State /Union Territory Governments for opening the National Parks throughout the year.
Development of all weather roads in the Protected Areas including the National Parks is not
encouraged as this may cause damage to the habitat and may also affect the free movement of
wildlife. However, advisories are issued to the State /Union Territory Governments to intensify
patrolling during the monsoon season in the Protected Areas including the National Parks.