Bengaluru: In a decisive move to curb escalating human-wildlife conflict, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday ordered an immediate suspension of safari activities at the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves. The minister also announced a temporary ban on trekking in all conflict-prone forest regions across the state until further notice.
Swift action after rising conflict cases
The decision comes in the wake of multiple recent incidents of human-animal encounters in the Western Ghats and adjoining forest areas, some of which resulted in casualties and property damage. Both Bandipur and Nagarahole, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, have witnessed a surge in sightings of tigers, leopards, and elephants near human settlements in recent months.
Minister Khandre, taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stated,
“After reviewing the situation, I have ordered an immediate ban on safaris at Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves. Trekking activities in all conflict-dominated landscapes are also suspended until further orders.”
He added that the safety of both visitors and wildlife remains the government’s top priority, and that the department will reassess protocols and strengthen monitoring systems before reopening these areas.
Ensuring safety and ecological balance
Officials from the Karnataka Forest Department said the measure was essential to reduce human intrusion into core wildlife zones, especially during the ongoing post-monsoon breeding and migration season. The temporary ban will help minimise disturbance to animal habitats while giving authorities time to implement stricter safety regulations for future tourism operations.
A senior forest officer from Bandipur said, “In recent weeks, elephants have been straying closer to tourist tracks, and tiger sightings have increased near buffer zones. The minister’s directive ensures that precautionary steps are taken before reopening.”
Impact on eco-tourism
While the decision is being hailed by conservationists as a responsible and timely step, it is expected to impact eco-tourism in the short term. Bandipur and Nagarahole together attract over two lakh visitors annually, generating significant revenue for local communities dependent on wildlife tourism.
Environmentalists have, however, emphasised that the pause is crucial for long-term conservation goals. “Temporary restrictions like these are necessary to protect both animals and humans,” said wildlife biologist Dr. Ananya Murthy. “Sustainable tourism must always prioritise safety and ecological sensitivity over footfall.”
Future course of action
The Forest Department has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive review of safety measures, including the deployment of rapid response teams, enhanced patrolling, and drone-based monitoring in conflict hotspots. The government will also work with local panchayats and NGOs to spread awareness among villagers living in forest fringes about the importance of coexistence and preventive safety measures.
The ban will remain in force until a new set of guidelines is finalised to ensure that safaris, trekking, and eco-tourism activities can resume without endangering lives or disturbing wildlife.
With Karnataka home to over 400 tigers and a large elephant population, experts believe the minister’s swift action reflects a growing recognition of the delicate balance between conservation and tourism.