The forest department has said reports in a section of the media that tourists were blocking movement of tigers in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) should be seen in the context of increased interest in wildlife.

Principal secretary (forest) Pravin Pardeshi said only 20 per cent of the reserve having six resident tigers was open to tourists. "The remaining park having 42 tigers is not available for tourism. So it is sweeping to say all tigers in TATR are exposed to tourists." as per a report in Indian Express.

The reports have raised the hackles of tiger lovers and conservationists, with rural development minister Jayant Patil, a nature lover, writing to forest minister Patangrao Kadam.

Asked if this meant the six tigers should suffer undue tourist pressure, Pardeshi said, "Not at all. But the fact that the tigers merrily walk between crammed tourist vehicles suggets they are not bothered. These tigers have got used to humans.

"Tourists crowding places of tiger sighting is a common phenomenon across reserves. In Pench (MP), Kanha and Bandhavgarh, elephants used to track down tigers and corner them for tourists to see. In Maharashtra, tourists can see a tiger only when it wants to be seen."

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