Ramnagar: The irresponsible behavior of a guide at Jim Corbett National Park, one of the country’s most famous, has shocked everyone. This incident involving foreign visitors has now become a major controversy on social media, forcing the park administration to take immediate action.
Jim Corbett Park Guide’s Irresponsible Behavior: The incident is reported to have occurred in the Bijrani Zone of Corbett National Park. During a safari, a guide not only neglected his duties but also offered tobacco to foreign tourists. This incident was revealed by a tourist in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The tourist wrote in his post:
Meet our guide of the day at Jim Corbett National Park. Unfortunately, the only thing he had to offer tourists was tobacco. We even had to stop him from throwing the tobacco packet on the ground. During the safari, he fell asleep for about an hour. When he woke up, he simply said, “Deer meat is delicious.” He didn’t mention a single word about parks, wildlife, or forest conservation. This was truly shameful. Especially when we had guests from France and other countries sitting with us, eager to understand India’s wildlife up close. Instead, they were being offered tobacco.
-Tourist who witnessed the incident-
Guide offered tobacco to foreign tourist: The tourist shared a photo of the guide along with this post, which went viral on social media within hours. Tourists and wildlife lovers from India and abroad are reacting to the post. Many wrote that such incidents damage India’s tourism image. Some users said that if guides themselves don’t understand the importance of wildlife, how can tourists get a true experience?
Eyewitness tourist expressed regret: The eyewitness tourist further wrote –
This is where we fail. When the people who represent our natural heritage don’t show respect or knowledge for it. Sadly, this is sometimes the reality of Indian tourism.
Jim Corbett Park administration swung into action following the incident: Following this complaint, the Corbett Park administration immediately swung into action. When contacted, Dr. Saket Badola, Director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, said:
The matter has come to our attention. We have ordered an investigation. Amit Gwasakoti, SDO of the Bijrani Range, has been appointed as the investigating officer, who will hear from both sides and take further action. The nature guide concerned has been expelled from the park pending the completion of the investigation.
-Dr. Saket Badola, Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve-
Demand for professional training for guides: Following this incident, a debate has erupted on social media regarding the tourist experience and the guides’ behavior. Many people say that guides in an internationally renowned park like Jim Corbett should receive regular professional training to ensure they provide a better experience to tourists and convey the correct message of wildlife conservation.
Tourism experts believe that a guide isn’t just a safari companion, but also a representative of India’s wildlife culture and sensibility. Therefore, everything from the guide selection process to its training must be of the highest standard. This incident once again raises the question of whether we are truly serious about our natural heritage and the tourist experience. Jim Corbett National Park is India’s hallmark. Every visitor should experience not just the wilderness, but also India’s sensitivity, culture, and responsibility.
