Haldwani, Jan. 1 -- The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) administration on Wednesday sounded a high alert across the park and adjoining areas on New Year , citing increased tourist footfall and the need to prevent wildlife crimes and human-animal conflict. Forest officials said the alert was enforced across the entire reserve, particularly in view of of New Year celebrations in Ramnagar. As a precautionary measure, leave of forest personnel has been cancelled, and enhanced patrolling has been ordered. CTR director Saket Badola said tourist footfall traditionally rises sharply during the period towards the end of each year, which also increases the risk of illegal activities. "Tourist footfall increases significantly during New Year celebrations. During this period, the possibility of illegal activities also rises. Keeping this in mind, a high alert has been issued across the entire tiger reserve," Badola said. He added that forest staff were instructed to continue uninterrupted patrolling, with leave being granted only in exceptional circumstances after approval from senior officials. "There will be no compromise on the safety of forests and wildlife. Every activity will be closely monitored during the New Year celebrations," he said. Special focus is being placed on the southern boundary of Corbett, which shares a border with Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the area was being continuously monitored using e-surveillance systems, drone cameras and other modern equipment. While no specific intelligence input has been received so far, forest officials said all arrangements have been made as a precautionary step. Ambush patrolling has also been intensified at sensitive locations to prevent any suspicious activity, officials said. The CTR administration has also issued strict guidelines for tourists, hotels and resort operators to minimise disturbance to wildlife and prevent human-animal conflict. Officials said it was observed in previous years that tourists often roam inside forest areas before and after sunset, venture outside hotels and resorts, use flashlights and create loud noise, disturbing wildlife and increasing risk. Badola said a silent zone will be enforced within a 500-metre radius of the Corbett Tiger Reserve boundary during Christmas and New Year celebrations. "Loud music and unnecessary noise will not be permitted. Bonfires will not be allowed in forest areas. Walking or driving inside forest areas after dark is prohibited. Wildlife should not be disturbed in any manner for viewing, photography or videography," he said....