Periyar Tiger Reserve shifting to CNG buses to curb pollution

The Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady, a popular tourist destination in Kerala, is transitioning to green energy by introducing compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

According to PTR East Deputy Director Midhun Mohan, this marks the first time a tourism centre under the Kerala Forest department has introduced CNG buses for passenger transit. Previously, visitors were ferried in diesel buses from Anavachal parking ground to the boat landing inside the reserve, a four-km distance.

To curb pollution inside the tiger reserve, the department introduced the eco-friendly fleet with the support of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Kochi Refinery, which contributed ₹88.37 lakh under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund for procuring the vehicles.

“Switching to eco-friendly transport is our objective, and these CNG buses are just the beginning. Our long-term plan is to transition the entire transit fleet to clean energy and operate exclusively pollution-free vehicles inside the reserve,” Mr. Mohan said.

Thekkady Range Officer Francis M. Yohannan said that the transit route currently operates eight diesel buses alongside three new CNG buses.

“Each bus covers an average of 150 km daily. The CNG buses have a seating capacity of 40 passengers, and their mileage and operating performance compare favourably to diesel vehicles. Deploying more CNG buses will substantially lower emission levels inside the reserve,” Mr. Yohannan said.

Earlier, private tourist vehicles were permitted up to the Thekkady boat landing area. A few years ago, authorities restricted visitor vehicles to the Anavachal parking facility and mandated Forest department buses to minimise noise and air pollution within the protected habitat.