Ranthambore, Rajasthan – In a significant move to enhance wildlife conservation and improve the visitor experience, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has officially implemented a ban on the use of mobile phones in its core safari zones. The decision aims to minimize disturbances to the park’s rich biodiversity and ensure a more natural and immersive experience for visitors.
Why the Mobile Phone Ban Matters for Wildlife Conservation
The ban applies to all electronic communication devices, including mobile phones, in areas designated as the core zones, which are home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of other wildlife species. Park authorities explained that the constant noise, camera flashes, and ringing of phones can stress animals, disrupt their natural behavior, and interfere with breeding patterns.
“Ranthambore is a sanctuary for some of India’s most iconic wildlife,” said a senior official of the park. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure that these animals can thrive in a natural environment without human interference. Restricting mobile phone usage in core areas will help reduce noise pollution and encourage visitors to truly connect with nature.”
Visitors will be required to switch off their mobile devices or leave them in their vehicles or with authorized personnel before entering the core zones. The park has also increased signage and awareness campaigns to educate tourists about the reasons for the restriction and its benefits to wildlife conservation.
Experts and wildlife enthusiasts have welcomed the move, noting that it aligns with global best practices in eco-tourism. Similar restrictions have been successfully implemented in several other tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries across India, where limiting human interference has shown measurable positive effects on animal behavior and visitor satisfaction.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, renowned for its tiger population and sprawling landscapes, attracts thousands of tourists annually from across the country and abroad. The new regulation is expected to encourage visitors to adopt a more mindful approach to wildlife tourism, focusing on observation and appreciation rather than digital documentation.
The forest department has assured that necessary facilities, such as secure storage and emergency contact options, will be made available to visitors during their safari trips. Authorities also emphasized that the ban is not intended to inconvenience tourists but to promote responsible tourism and safeguard the park’s ecological balance.
