News Flash Daily
18 February
Safaris in Karnataka’s prime tiger reserves to restart with restrictions as government balances tourism, safety and livelihoods
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has announced the resumption of wildlife safaris in Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park starting tomorrow, allowing operations at 50 per cent capacity. The decision was confirmed by Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre after a high-level meeting held at Vikas Soudha, chaired by the Chief Minister on January 2.
According to official sources, the move follows the submission of an interim report by a technical committee of senior forest and administrative officers, which recommended a phased and partial reopening of safari operations. The committee cited the need to cautiously revive eco-tourism while continuing safety assessments in the wake of recent wildlife-related incidents. Officials clarified that full-scale safari operations will be considered only after the committee submits its final report.
Reduced Safari Duration and Fresh Restrictions
To mitigate risks and regulate tourist movement, the Forest Department has introduced stringent operational restrictions. Only half of the vehicles that were previously deployed for safaris will be permitted during this initial phase. In Bandipur, safari duration has been reduced from eight hours to five hours, while Nagarhole will allow safaris for four hours in the first phase of reopening.
At designated toll gate zones, safari movement will be restricted to six-hour windows. In addition, campfires have been completely banned in all resorts and homestays located in and around forest buffer zones, a step aimed at reducing fire hazards and preventing wildlife disturbance. Forest officials stated that these measures are temporary and will be reviewed periodically based on ground conditions and safety feedback.
“The decision to reopen safaris at 50 per cent capacity is based on expert recommendations. Public safety, wildlife protection and livelihoods are equally important, and we are moving cautiously,” a senior Forest Department official said.
Farmers’ Opposition Intensifies Along Forest Borders
Despite the government’s cautious approach, the reopening has triggered strong opposition from border-area farmers, particularly around Melukamanahalli. Farmer groups have announced plans to stage protests and lay siege to the local forest office, arguing that restarting safaris ignores serious safety concerns faced by residents living near forest fringes.
Farmers point to recent incidents involving tiger and leopard attacks, which had earlier prompted authorities to suspend safari operations. They argue that tourist activity could further disturb wildlife movement, increasing the risk of animals straying into agricultural fields and villages. Protest leaders have demanded that safaris be resumed only after concrete measures are taken to ensure the safety of local communities.
Economic Impact of the Safari Suspension
The earlier suspension of safaris had severely impacted Karnataka’s eco-tourism sector. The Karnataka Eco-Tourism Resorts Association (KETRA) reported that nearly 35 resorts in the Bandipur–Nagarhole region suffered losses of around ₹3 crore per day during the shutdown. The association also stated that approximately 8,000 people dependent on eco-tourism, ranging from guides and drivers to hospitality staff, saw their livelihoods disrupted.
Meanwhile, neighbouring states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu reportedly benefited from the situation, with increased tourist bookings at their wildlife parks as travellers diverted plans away from Karnataka.
Balancing Tourism, Safety and Livelihoods
Officials maintain that the government’s decision reflects an attempt to strike a balance between conservation, public safety and economic survival. Authorities mentioned that the current reopening is conditional and closely monitored, and any escalation in safety risks could lead to renewed restrictions. The final roadmap for safari operations will depend on the technical committee’s comprehensive report, expected later this month.
