Re‑opening of the Fato and Hathidanger Sectors

Starting 1 October, the eco‑tourism zones of Fato and Hathidanger in the Terai Western Forest Division are back on the itinerary after a monsoon‑induced pause. The forest authority used the downtime to tighten conservation protocols and revamp visitor facilities.

Daily Visitor Quotas per Shift

To limit disturbance to wildlife, the department has imposed firm caps on safari units each day. In the Fato sector, a maximum of 50 gypsy‑style jeeps may operate in the morning, with an additional 50 allowed in the evening. Hathidanger will accommodate 25 vehicles per shift for both morning and evening tours.

Overnight Stay Options

Fato, one of the most popular destinations, now adds night‑stay accommodations to its daytime safari offerings. The area features 19 rooms spread across several formats: two tree‑house cabins (three rooms), five eco‑huts, four rooms inside a heritage British‑era building, two rooms in a historic structure, and five canvas‑tented cottages. All safari slots and lodging must be booked via the official online portal.

Why Cameras and Phones Are Prohibited

Divisional Forest Officer Puneet Tomar clarified that the ban on mobile phones, stealth cameras, and body‑mounted devices is intended to reduce unnecessary complaints and streamline administrative work. Removing personal recording equipment allows forest staff to focus on wildlife protection and provide a smoother visitor experience.

Lockers and Hydration Points

Each entry gate now offers drinking‑water stations for bottle refills and secure lockers for phones and cameras. Portable lockers will also be installed inside night‑stay safari vehicles, with drivers responsible for their safety. Carrying any recording device inside the forest is strictly forbidden.

Safari Vehicle Registration Drive

A fast‑track registration campaign for all safari vehicles is underway. Documents are being verified, and the process is expected to conclude within a week. Only vehicles that receive clearance and display valid registration will be permitted entry to the zones.

What Visitors Can Anticipate

Following a formal reopening ceremony attended by the local MLA on 1 October, tourists can once again explore the abundant fauna of Fato and Hathidanger. The new framework—device restrictions, capped visitor numbers, and upgraded overnight facilities—seeks to balance tourism growth with the paramount goal of wildlife conservation.