Bidar, Nov. 7 – Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister, Eshwar B. Khandre, ordered the immediate halt of all safari tours in the Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves after a farmer was killed in a tiger attack. The decision comes as the state grapples with a spate of wildlife‑human clashes in the region.
Safari operations shut down
Khandre told officials that every person and vehicle currently assigned to safaris in both reserves must be moved to aid the tiger‑capture mission. “Safaris remain suspended until further notice,” he said, adding that the entire staff will assist in tracking and capturing the tiger responsible for the recent attacks.
Background of the incidents
The minister cited the farmer’s death near Hale Heggodilu village in the Moleyur Range of Saragur Taluk as the latest tragic event. The 58‑year‑old victim had already survived an elephant attack eight months earlier. Authorities say the tiger clamped onto his head and thigh, leaving the farmer dead on the road to his farm. This is the third fatality in the area this month.
Khandre highlighted that three people have died in tiger attacks along the forest fringes of Bandipur and Nagarahole in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts. After the early October meeting of senior officials in Bandipur, a public talk in Chamarajanagar on November 2 brought farmers, local residents, and lawmakers together to discuss safety measures.
What’s happening now
The government has banned trekking and walking trails in the tiger‑conflict zones until further orders. All officers, drivers and safari staff are being reassigned to support the pursuit and recapture of the offending tiger. The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Project Tiger Directors of both reserves have been instructed to camp at the site and “take immediate steps” to contain the situation.
Why this matters
The repeated attacks have raised concerns among residents about their safety. Tourism officials noted that Nagarahole and Bandipur are major attractions for wildlife tours, generating significant revenue. The suspension of safaris reflects the state’s priority to protect both people and the tigers, working to resolve a controversial balance between conservation and community safety.
Moving forward
Khandre expressed disappointment that a warning had not prevented another fatal attack. He reiterated the government’s commitment to stopping further incidents and ensuring that forest areas remain safe for both wildlife and citizens. The next steps will involve intensive fieldwork by forest staff and coordination with local communities to reduce human‑wildlife conflict.
With the safari shutdown now in place, the focus is on swift action to capture the tiger, prevent future tragedies and restore confidence in the safety of Karnataka’s treasured wildlife reserves.
Source: ianslive
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