Rishikesh: A group of foreigners, who reached
the state to attend the Kumbh Mela, are allegedly camping in
reserve forest inhabited by elephants and tigers, official
sources said today.
Despite allotment of land at Mela area here, the tourists
from Israel, US, UK, Panama and Finland, have not left the
jungles of Rajaji Park, so far, the forest department said.
The mela administration has alloted 20,000 square feet
land in Saptsarovar sector of Kumbh mela area to nearly
150-200 foreigners, living in the reserved forests without any
permission for the past several days.
The administration is trying to remove them. They have
allegedly put up tents and started cooking food inside the
jungles, which are banned in the Rajaji Park, police said.
Police have verified that foreigners have valid travel
visas and they have come to attend Mela being held on the bank
of Ganga in Haridwar and in the city.
The Mela that began on January 14 will conclude on April
14.
-PTI
First Published: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 16:23