Ministry Issues Advisory to Control Spread of COVID-19 in National Parks, Sanctuaries & Tiger Reserves

Due to the spread of coronavirus in the country and a recent news report on a Tiger being infected with the COVID 19 in New York, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued an advisory. The advisory issued is regarding containing & management of COVID-19 in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.

The step was taken by the Ministry as it is felt that there are possibilities of spread of the coronavirus amongst animals in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves & also transmission of the virus from humans to animals and vice-versa.

As per the advisory the Ministry has asked Chief Wildlife Wardens of all States/UT’s to do the following steps:

1. Take immediate preventive measures to stop the transmission & spread of the virus from humans to animals and vice versa, in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.

2. To reduce the human wildlife interface.

3. Take steps to restrict the movement of people to National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.

4. Constitute a Task Force/Rapid Action Force with Field Managers, Frontline staff, & Veterinary doctors to manage the situation as soon as possible.

5. Make a ‘round the clock’ reporting mechanism with a Nodal Officer for swift management of any cases noticed.

6. Form essential services for emergency treatment of animals & their safe release back to their natural habitats, as and when required.

7. Increase disease surveillance, monitoring and mapping system through coordinated effort amongst various Departments.

8. Maintain all other stipulations issued by the Health Ministry in the movement of staff, tourists, villagers etc. in and around National Parks or Sanctuaries or Tiger Reserves.

9. Take other possible measures to control the spread of the virus.

10. Report this Ministry about the action taken.