GUWAHATI: All tiger reserves, national parks and sanctuaries in Assam will remain closed from March 17 to March 29, 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“In pursuance of the Central Zoo Authority’s circular and notification of the commissioner and secretary to the government of Assam issued with a view to arrest spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reported from our country, it is decided that mass gatherings may be avoided in wildlife conservation and protected areas of the state till the disease spread is contained.
All permissions granted under Section 28 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for film shooting/research, etc shall remain suspended till March 29, 2020 with immediate effect,” M.K. Yadava, additional principal chief conservator of forest wildlife and chief wildlife warden Assam, stated in a notification issued here.
In order to prevent any accidental spread of COVID-19 virus in the zoological parks and protected areas of the state, it is hereby notified that the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati will remain closed with immediate effect.
Assam forest and environment minister Parimal Suklabaidya, meanwhile, has appealed to all to be aware and adhere to the preventive measures against COVID-19.