JAIPUR: Ranthambore National Park (RNP) is set to become the ‘undisputed king’ in facilitating safari rides for guests with disabilities.
Experiencing the adventure of tiger safari in RNP has long been a dream for many tourists in wheelchairs and those with other disabilities.
In the absence of proper facilities such tourists were braving hardships till now.
For the first time in the country, a safari vehicle has been developed to facilitate wheelchair-bound tourists and provide accessible safari itinerary in Ranthambore tiger reserve.
Balendu Singh, former, honorary wildlife warden, who tailored the first wheelchair accessible safari vehicle, said, “This is the first time any state forest department will deploy such a safari vehicle in any forest in India.
The seats can be folded if person wants to keep sitting on wheelchair, otherwise the disabled person can transfer to a seat which is equipped with seat-belt for safety.
There is an electric winch which is used to assist the wheelchair to move up the ramp safely,” In accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the state forest department on December 5, 2020 issued an order pertaining that national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserve and zoos in the state should be made disabled friendly vehicles.
The order reads, “Provision for two other people accompanying and guiding the disabled person during the safari should be made in the vehicle,” The move has elated the disabled visitors who faced hardships during safaris in past as it is physically demanding and exhausting.
Keith shields from UK Disabled Athlete, International Sports Shooting Federation (ISSF) referee, coach, said, “The vehicle that Singh has is unique in that not only in India but all the other countries.
I have travelled to not one has a bespoke vehicle like his for disabled where it ensures the disabled are catered for from wheelchair to mild disability, ensuring easy ingress/egress for the partial mobility (prosthetic leg/arm) to confined to wheelchair get the best comfort support while traveling through the country and Tiger reserve in security & comfort.
Exquisite vehicle well designed for a one off experience that is inclusive.”