Dehradun: The state of Uttarakhand will spread women as gypsy drivers and natural guidance in all tiger reserves and wildlife reserves.
Until now, only men were employed in this wildlife tourism activity.
It comes only a few months after the government announced in March that the drivers of Gypsy women – referred to as pilots – and the natural guides will be appointed at Corbett Tiger Reserve after training them.
Nearly 50 women were trained to take responsibility in two tiger reserves – Rajaji Tiger Reserve and Corbett – and six holy places in the state that boasted a tiger population, leopards and high elephants.
The first batch of 21 women is currently undergoing training in Dehradun.
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Suhag, head of wildlife, claimed that this would be the first time that women would take the pilot gypsy coat and natural guide “in all tiger reserves and holy places in a state of”.
In particular, two tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh – Kanha Tiger Reserve – National Park and Penh Tiger National Park – have a female guide that accompanies tourists to the core area to catch a glimpse of a large cat.
But this is not across the protection spots and does not include pilots.
Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat said that Corbett – which has 105 natural guidance, all of the male reserves – and Rajaji will be the first to get a female pilot.
“Women have played an important role in preserving forests in Uttarakhand.
With this work, they can obtain livelihoods and help the Ministry of Forestry oversee protected areas,” Minister said.
When TII spoke with female training participants at the forefront of this change in the state of Hill, some said they would focus on promoting responsible tourism while others were eager to play an important role in protecting hill ecology.
Meenakshi Kumari, a resident of Puri Garhwal who will soon be deployed as a gypsy pilot in Corbett, said he would get a “big satisfaction” of the job.
“My family has long made conservation efforts at the local level, for me, this work will be a natural extension of the heritage,” he said.
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