Bahraich: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district will welcome tourists from Nov 1 with jungle safaris, rich wildlife and new attractions.The upcoming tourism season will offer visitors an opportunity to explore the sanctuary’s natural beauty, spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic surroundings of Gerua River.This year, a newly developed selfie point featuring an attractive wooden sign bearing the name of Katarniaghat is expected to draw visitors.An interpretation centre, currently under construction in front of the crocodile centre, will also provide information about crocodiles, their behaviour, habitat and conservation.With the opening date approaching, the forest department has intensified preparations at the sanctuary. Cleaning work is underway on the main jungle routes and unpaved tracks, while arrangements at the crocodile centre and boat jetty are being improved.Painting and renovation work is also being carried out at Tharu huts, canteen and rest houses to provide better facilities for tourists.Visitors often come to Katarniaghat hoping to spot tigers and leopards during jungle safaris. Elephants, dolphins, gharials and crocodiles are among the sanctuary’s major attractions.However, tourists may have to wait for boating activities during the initial days of the new season. The closure period of the Ghaghara Barrage has led to a decline in the water level of Gerua River, creating difficulties for boat operations. Visitors hoping to spot dolphins and other aquatic wildlife may face some disappointment initially.The forest department is also considering opening additional safari routes to allow tourists to explore more areas of the sanctuary. However, no final decision has been taken on the proposal.Divisional forest officer (DFO) Apoorva Dixit said preparations were underway for the upcoming tourism season.Forest range officer Ashish Gaur said cleaning of forest routes, painting and other improvement works were being carried out to ensure a better experience for tourists when the season begins on Nov 1.
