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Eco-lodges get rich at tiger's expense
Hotels charge huge amount for tigers safaris but provide meager services in return.
A new report on conservation of wildlife has said that while tourists are willing to fork out 400 pounds a night to watch tigers from luxurious Indian eco-lodge hotels, they almost do nothing to ensure the well being and upkeep of these animals' or the parks they visit.
According to The Independent, the hard-hitting report prepared by DOT says that on the fringes of the Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary there are 21 "elite" hotels with an estimated turnover of almost 2.8 million pounds. Staying in a luxury tent costs anywhere between 220 and 400 pounds (Rs 16,500 to Rs 30,000), which authors of the report say should be used to improve park surroundings and benefit the people who live in and around it.
"This is precisely what does not happen. The park does not even get the gate receipts. The local people also do not benefit," the report claims.
Sunita Narain, the director of India's Centre for Science and Environment and chairperson of a task force appointed by the Indian Prime Minister to look into the reasons for the dwindling population of tigers, says that 2.8 million pounds a year turnover is the equivalent to the entire public funds spent on Ranthambore over the last 30 years.
Officially, there are 3,600 tigers left in India. But that figure is now thought to be grossly inflated after it emerged earlier this year that the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan had become another victim of the poachers.
Hotel chains accused of exploiting the parks without contributing to their upkeep have contested the report, which has proposed that at least 30 per cent of their turnover should be taken as taxes to facilitate improvement of these wildlife parks.
Geeta Singh of the Oberoi Hotels says the hotel and its staff have acted responsibly to ensure minimal water waste, noise and light pollution.
As for the poverty of the villagers in the park, Singh says this is a "political matter" and the responsibility of the local government.
Jonathan Blitz, general manger of Aman-i-Khas, says that over two thirds of the staff trained and employed on his property are locals, and adds that he has generously contributed to the local hospital trust.
