Dhikala range closed ahead of schedule

The Corbett Reserve range was forced to close three days ahead of its scheduled annual closure due to heavy overnight showers.

This undated file photo released by Corbett Tiger Reserve shows a tiger at the reserve in Corbett National Park. File photo

Corbett Tiger Reserve’s Dhikala range was closed for tourists on Tuesday, three days ahead of its scheduled annual closure on June 14, due to heavy overnight showers damaging roads in the zone.

“It has been raining heavily since last night, leaving many roads in the tourist zone of Dhikala waterlogged and damaged, including the road connecting to the Fulai grassland,” Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) Director Samir Sinha said.

“Hence, the range has been closed for tourists for safety reasons,” he added.

“Ramganga’s water level has risen alarmingly, prompting the removal of the temporary collapsible bridge over it. The bridge links the reserve with the Fulai grassland,” said Sinha, who has recently taken over as the Director of CTR.

Though it has been decided to keep the Bijrani range of the reserve open till June 30, it may also be closed if the downpour continues, Sinha added.

Meanwhile, the Chilla range of Rajaji National Park near Haridwar was also kept closed ton Tuesday due to heavy overnight rains, park authorities said.