Bengal Forest Department Implements 25% Fee Waiver for Student Forest Visits
Encouraging Educational Exploration and Biodiversity Learning in Reserve Forests
For educational field trips in reserve forests throughout the state, the Bengal Forest Department has announced a 25% fee waiver for students.
According to Debal Ray, Bengal's principal chief wildlife warden, the waiver will take effect in the new year.
Educational institution students visiting reserve forests for educational purposes will receive a 25% charge waiver, it has been decided. These include the admission price, the car parking fee, and the user fee for forest roads. Over the phone, Ray stated, "We think it will inspire students to visit the reserve forests and take advantage of the rich biodiversity they offer."
For example, the department charges admission fees to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Singalila National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, and portions of Baikunthapur Forest Division for visitors who go on jungle safaris in north Bengal.
Every year, teachers and students from colleges, universities, and schools go to the reserve forests to conduct research.
The biodiversity of these forests is abundant. Experts, researchers, and students are drawn to even the moths and bird species. Siliguri-based wildlife conservationist Animesh Bose said he was pleased with the forest department's decision.
There is no waiver listed by the department for fees associated with hiring cars and guides for the safaris.
"In our opinion, these ought to be disregarded. Furthermore, a 50% student waiver should be offered. Our company regularly hosts nature study camps. We can conduct jungle safaris with students visiting reserve forests if a waiver of this kind is granted, according to Bhaskar Das of the Jalpaiguri Nature and Trekkers' Club.
The forest department ought to simplify fees, according to Jalpaiguri tour guide Sabyasachi Roy. "They do, on the one hand, charge cars to enter. Conversely, a visitor must pay the forest road user charge. He suggested streamlining these to encourage more people to visit forests.
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