BJP MP Diya Kumari has requested Union minister Bhupender Yadav to reconsider the decision to have a weekly off in tiger reserves, saying such a closure in addition to the mandatory 92-day monsoon shutdown would affect the tourism-based local economy.

"Tiger reserves are closed for 92 days every year during the monsoon. The provision of weekly offs would further reduce the number of days tourism can be allowed. This would affect the tourism-based local economy," the MP from Rajsamand in Rajasthan said.

Kumari, a member of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said the provision of weekly offs would not serve any conservation purpose and staffers of tiger reserves can be given weekly offs on a rotational basis. In a statement, she said she has requested the Union minister for environment, forest and climate change to reconsider the issue and advise the NTCA to withdraw its order that will come into effect from July 1, 2023.

Tiger reserves across the country will be observing a weekly off according to the NTCA order.

Rajasthan has four tiger reserves -- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Sawai Madhopur), Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar), Mukundra Tiger Reserve (Kota) and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (Bundi).

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