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Karnataka Minister Defends Bandipur-Nagarhole Safari Suspension After Tiger Attacks

Karnataka Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre defended the government's decision to temporarily suspend safari operations in Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks, stating it was a necessary response to a series of fatal tiger attacks last November. He clarified the action was taken to protect human lives after three deaths occurred within 15 days, leading to increased patrols and a command centre along high-conflict forest borders. The safaris have now been conditionally resumed based on the preliminary report of an expert committee formed by the State Wildlife Board. Furthermore, it has been suggested that 35% of safari income be used for development and employment in villages bordering the forest.

Key Points: Karnataka Defends Safari Suspension in Bandipur, Nagarahole

  • Safari suspension followed fatal tiger attacks
  • Move aimed at protecting human lives
  • New safety patrols and command centre established
  • Safaris resumed with expert committee guidance
  • Portion of safari income to fund local village development
3 min read

Karnataka Minister Khandre defends temporary suspension, conditional opening of Bandipur-Nagarhole safaris

Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre explains the temporary halt of safaris was to protect lives after fatal tiger attacks, detailing new safety measures.

"Three precious lives were lost in a span of 15 days... this step was taken to protect the precious lives of people. - Ishwar B Khandre"

Bandipur, March 12

Karnataka Forest and Environment Minister Ishwar B Khandre has defended the State government's decision to temporarily suspend safari operations in Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks last November, stating that the move was taken to protect human lives after a series of wildlife attacks.

Speaking in the Assembly during the Question and Answer session, Khandre was responding to Leader of the Opposition R Ashok who said that over 4,000 people had lost their jobs due to the suspension of safaris. Safaris have been going on across the country for many years and it is not right to stop safaris suddenly without conducting a survey, he said.

The forest minister said that the safaris were not stopped suddenly. Three precious lives were lost in a span of 15 days last November, one was permanently disabled, tigers were coming out of the forest and attacking. He clarified that this step was taken to protect the precious lives of people.

The minister said that when he held a meeting in Chamarajanagar in this regard in November, many farmer organisations said that the safari was going on till night. There is a lot of vehicle traffic. More tourists are coming, which is disturbing the wildlife coming out of the forest and demanding that the safari be stopped and he had made a request.

In the meantime, when he was in Bidar, the minister said that after a week, another tiger attack occurred, and a person died, the safari was temporarily stopped, and the staff and vehicle were used to keep watch in a village on the edge of the forest.

There is a 314-kilometre border in Bandipur. Out of which 100 km of the border is a high-conflict area. 25 anti-poaching camps were established in that area, staff were appointed, and they were asked to patrol for 14 hours. A comprehensive command centre was made operational. Khandre clarified that the safari was resumed after all preparations were made to prevent further disasters.

In addition, the Wildlife Board meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister discussed this matter, formed an expert committee including a representative of the Central Wildlife Institute, and explained that the safari has been resumed based on the preliminary report of that expert committee.

In 1972, there were only 12 tigers in Bandipur. When the census was conducted 3 years ago, there were 150 tigers there. Now the number of tigers is 175. We are getting a report from the expert committee to know the carrying capacity of the forest. The forest is not increasing. Instead, it is decreasing.

Khandre told the House that after the safari is resumed, it has been suggested that the foundation should use 35% of the income from the safari to hold public meetings in the villages on the edge of the forest, for education, infrastructure development, and employment generation,

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While safety is important, the government must think about the 4000+ people who lost their jobs overnight. Many are local guides, drivers, and small hotel owners. Couldn't they have found a middle path sooner? The suspension seemed very abrupt and caused real hardship for families.
R
Rohit P
The core issue is the shrinking forest cover! Minister himself said the forest is decreasing but tiger numbers are increasing from 12 to 175. Where will they go? We are encroaching on their habitat with villages and tourism. Need long-term solution, not just stopping safaris.
S
Sarah B
Using 35% of safari income for local village development is a brilliant and sustainable idea. It creates a direct benefit for communities living with the danger. This builds local support for conservation. More states should adopt this model!
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Vikram M
The expert committee report should be made public. We need transparency. What are the new safety protocols? How many vehicles per day? What about the safari timings? The minister says it went on till night, that's just inviting trouble. Strict rules are needed.
M
Michael C
It's a tough balance. On one hand, you have a conservation success story with tiger numbers rising. On the other, human-wildlife conflict. The 25 anti-poaching camps and 14-hour patrols sound like a good step. Hope it works to protect both people and tigers.
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