Nagarhole, Bandipur safaris to resume from tomorrow

Karnataka will resume safaris in Nagarhole and Bandipur tomorrow at 50% capacity. Safari hours are reduced, campfires banned, but farmers oppose reopening

The Karnataka Forest Department has announced the resumption of safaris in Nagarhole and Bandipur sanctuaries starting tomorrow. Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre confirmed the decision at Vikas Soudha, following a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on January 2. A technical committee of senior officers submitted an interim report recommending partial reopening, leading to the approval of 50% safari operations. Full-scale resumption will be considered after the final report.

Reduced Safari Duration

Authorities have introduced new restrictions to balance tourism with safety. Only half the vehicles previously used will be allowed. In Bandipur, safari duration has been cut from 8 hours to 5 hours, while Nagarhole will permit safaris for 4 hours in the first phase. At the toll booth, safaris will run for 6 hours. Additionally, campfires have been banned in resorts and homestays to reduce risks.

Farmers’ Opposition

The reopening has sparked protests from border farmers, who plan to lay siege to the forest office in Melukamanahalli, Bandipur tomorrow. Farmers argue that resuming safaris disregards safety concerns, citing recent tiger and leopard attacks that prompted the initial suspension.

Also Read: Bengaluru rises as a global AI powerhouse, says IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge

Economic Impact

The safari ban had severely affected eco-tourism in Karnataka. The Karnataka Eco-Tourism Resorts Association (KETRA) reported losses of nearly ₹3 crore per day for about 35 resorts in the Bandipur-Nagarhole region. Around 8,000 people dependent on eco-tourism saw their livelihoods disrupted. Meanwhile, neighbouring states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu benefited, with increased bookings in their wildlife parks.

The government’s cautious reopening seeks to balance tourism, safety, and livelihoods, while awaiting the committee’s final recommendations.

Also Read: Google commits $15 billion to AI development in India