Maharashtra: Gautala sanctuary to remain shut for tourists from July 1 to Sept 15

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jun 25 (PTI) The Gautala Autramghat wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra will remain closed for tourists for two-and-a-half months from July 1 to facilitate breeding of animals and birds, an official said on Wednesday.

In an order issued on Tuesday, the forest department said the protected park, spread over 64,000 acres in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalgaon district, will be out of bounds for visitors till September 15.

“This is the breeding season for most animals and birds living in the area. Moreover, tourists might get stuck inside the sanctuary during the rains. So we have taken this decision,” said Deputy Conservator of Forest Mohan Naikwadi.

Gautala, located in Satmala and Ajanta hill ranges, is home to leopards, wild boars, a tiger, over 240 varieties of birds and many other animals, an official said. PTI AW NR