As per the latest development, safari operations in Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve will resume from today, subject to strict conditions, following directives issued by Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday, as PTI reported.
The safaris had been suspended since November 7, 2025, after a farmer was killed in a tiger attack in Mysuru district, triggering concerns over escalating human–wildlife conflict in the region.
After reviewing the situation with officials from Mysuru, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts, Khandre said an order would be issued to restart safari operations from Saturday, but under tight regulation.
“Only 50 per cent of the safari vehicles and staff in use prior to November 7 should be deployed.
Operations should be conducted mainly through buses, with minimal use of campers and jeeps. Detailed instructions will be issued,” the minister said.
He warned that any violation of the stipulated conditions would make officials accountable.
Focus on conflict-prone areas
Khandre directed forest officials to identify human–wildlife conflict-prone areas in Bandipur and Nagarahole and intensify patrolling to prevent further incidents.
“Precautionary measures must ensure wild animals do not enter residential areas, preventing loss of life and crop damage,” he said.
According to the minister’s office, a 100-km stretch along the Bandipur boundary has been identified as highly sensitive. Authorities plan to establish 25 camps at five-kilometre intervals along this stretch to monitor wildlife movement.
Local residents will be appointed as ‘forest friends’ at each camp to track animal movement and alert officials.
The minister also instructed that proposals for additional facilities, including thermal drones and vehicles, be submitted in writing.
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Revenue for fringe sommunities
Emphasising that protecting people living along forest fringes is as important as wildlife conservation, Khandre called for equal attention to crop protection.
“Thirty-five per cent of safari revenue should be used for skill training for youth in fringe villages, cattle fodder supply and children’s education,” he said.
He added that conservation efforts depend on community participation and directed forest staff to maintain cordial relations with residents while involving them in protection initiatives.
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Technology and monitoring measures
The minister instructed permanent staff to use internally developed e-patrolling software, while outsourced personnel in tiger reserves must use the e-stripe system for tracking field activities.
Wildlife movement will be monitored through the integrated command centre, with prompt instructions issued to field staff based on real-time inputs.
Complaints received through helpline 1926 must be addressed immediately, he said.
Khandre also directed officials to take preventive measures against forest fires in Bandipur, Nagarahole and Biligiri Ranganatha Hills during the summer months.
“Steps must ensure tigers, leopards, elephants and other wildlife do not stray out of forests due to shortages of food and water,” he said.
Safari operations will now resume under these revised guidelines, which will be in line with balancing tourism activity with strengthened safeguards to reduce human, wildlife conflict.
