West Bengal Forest Department Issues Guidelines To Reopen Public Places

The Forest Department of West Bengal issued a two-page guideline on September 18, about re-opening of the public places that include protected areas, such as eco-tourism Centres, parks, gardens and zoos of the state. National Parks (Forests), Eco-tourism centres, parks & gardens will be opened from September 23, while the zoos will open from October 2. The steps has been taken to revive the economy and help forest department in ‘mitigating avoidable hardships.’ However, the minors, below the age of 10 and adults above the age of 65 have been advised to travel as per the state regulations. The document specifically mention the norms for safety of public and staff, mandating the use of sanitizers, wearing of masks, and social distancing. However, the ticket-booking formalities will be completed online, and the places will be sanitized before opening up for the visitors. Moreover, every single tourists will have to undergo a temperature check at the entry point.