Valmiki Tiger Reserve Bans Fires, Private Vehicles for New Year; Jail for Violators

• Valmiki Tiger Reserve bans private vehicles, fire lighting, cooking, and picnicking inside the forest for New Year.
• Violators face financial penalties and up to 3 years imprisonment for breaking the rules.
• Tourists must walk to ancient temples and other sites located within the forest area.
• Forest Department cancelled holidays, deployed 24-hour patrols for wildlife and forest security.
• Enhanced surveillance on border routes with Nepal and Uttar Pradesh; picnics allowed only in outer areas with advisories.

Why It Matters: Valmiki Tiger Reserve enforces strict bans on vehicles, fires, and cooking for New Year to protect wildlife.