Dhikala range of Corbett Tiger Reserve was closed for tourists today, three days ahead of its scheduled annual closure on June 14, due to heavy overnight showers damaging roads in the zone.
"It has been raining heavily since last night, leaving many roads in the tourist zone of Dhikala waterlogged and damaged, including the road connecting Fulai grassland," Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) Director Samir Sinha said.
"Hence, the range has been closed for tourists for safety reasons," he said.
"Water level of Ramganga has risen alarmingly prompting removal of the temporary collapsible bridge over it. The bridge links the reserve with Fulai grassland," said Sinha, who recently took over as the Director of CTR.
Dhikala range was originally scheduled for annual closure during monsoon on June 14.
Though it has been decided to keep the Bijrani range of CTR open till June 30, it may also be closed for safety of tourists if the downpour continues, Sinha said.
Meanwhile, the Chilla range of Rajaji National Park near Haridwar was also kept closed today due to heavy overnight rains, park authorities said.
