Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra is set to revolutionize wildlife tourism by launching the world’s first-ever ropeway safari, offering visitors an unparalleled aerial view of the forest. This groundbreaking initiative aims to give tourists a unique opportunity to spot tigers and other wildlife from above, enhancing their experience while preserving the natural ecosystem.
The proposal, put forward by French ropeway company POMA SAS, envisions a ropeway system over the reserve, allowing tourists to enjoy the jungle in a more immersive and eco-friendly manner. POMA SAS has a successful track record of building ropeways in popular Indian destinations like Patni Top, Kashmir, and Mussoorie. The Tadoba project, however, marks a first for wildlife tourism and is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors.
Benjamin Fauchier Delavigne, Public Affairs Director at POMA SAS, presented the proposal to Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, during a ceremony in Butibori. He emphasized the ropeway’s eco-conscious design, which ensures minimal disturbance to the wildlife below while allowing visitors to observe the forest’s beauty from a bird’s-eye view. The system will operate silently and pollution-free, aligning with efforts to reduce the environmental impact of tourism.
Maharashtra’s government is expected to conduct a thorough review of the project, seeking input from both the tourism and forest departments to ensure it meets environmental regulations. The ropeway will also create employment opportunities for local communities, further boosting the region’s economy.
The initiative aligns with Maharashtra’s new tourism policy, which promotes innovative and sustainable projects. Fadnavis expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its potential to solidify Tadoba’s position as a major ecotourism destination. If approved, the ropeway will mark a new era in wildlife tourism, offering an extraordinary experience while maintaining the reserve’s ecological balance.
