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Bengaluru: In a decisive move following a series of fatal tiger attacks, the Karnataka government on Friday suspended all safari operations at Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves after three people were killed in tiger-related incidents within just fifteen days. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre also ordered a blanket ban on trekking across human-wildlife conflict zones in the state.
The latest tragedy struck early on Friday when 35-year-old farmer Chowdaiah Naik was killed by a tiger near Hale Heggodilu in Saragur taluk of Mysuru district, close to the Moleyur forest range bordering Bandipur. Forest officials confirmed that this was the third death linked to tiger attacks along the reserve’s periphery in less than a month, sparking fear among residents and demands for immediate government action.
Condoling the victim’s death, Khandre directed senior officials to suspend all safari operations at both Bandipur and Nagarahole with immediate effect. He instructed that safari staff, including drivers and guides, be redeployed to assist in the ongoing tiger search operation in Moleyur. “Safaris will remain suspended until further orders,” the minister announced.
In a communication addressed to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Khandre referred to earlier meetings held with villagers, farmers’ groups and local representatives, including district in-charge ministers Dr H. C. Mahadevappa and K. Venkatesh, on 27 October at Bandipur and 2 November in Chamarajanagar.
“It was agreed to halt safaris if the situation didn’t improve. Yet another heartbreaking incident occurred today. Immediate and decisive intervention is needed,” he wrote.
The minister’s sweeping directive extends beyond the tiger reserves. Trekking has now been prohibited in conflict-prone regions of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, citing the need to safeguard both visitors and wildlife.
Khandre has also asked the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and the Project Tiger Director at Bandipur to remain stationed at Moleyur to monitor and coordinate the search operation aimed at locating and tranquilising the tiger suspected of attacking humans repeatedly.
The suspension of tourism activities, though a blow to the region’s thriving wildlife circuit, underscores the growing tension between conservation efforts and human safety along the fragile forest fringes of southern Karnataka.
