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Bengaluru: In a decisive move to address a recent surge in fatal tiger attacks, Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of all wildlife safaris in the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves.
The order comes after several tragic incidents, including the deaths of two farmers in separate encounters near Nagarahole, sparked fear and protests among local communities. The suspension aims to prioritize human safety and allow forest officials to focus on tracking the animals responsible.
Why Were the Safaris in Bandipur and Nagarahole Closed?
The primary reason for the safari closure is a direct response to a spate of deadly tiger attacks that has heightened human-animal conflict in the region. Minister Khandre emphasized that the government’s foremost duty is to protect its citizens.
“Our primary responsibility is to protect human lives,” the minister stated in a press release. “While we are deeply committed to tiger conservation, we cannot allow a situation where people live in constant terror. The suspension of safaris will allow our forest department officials to focus all their resources on tracking the specific tigers responsible.”
Forest Department Launches Manhunt
With tourism activities halted, the forest department has deployed multiple teams to identify and track the tigers involved in the attacks. Officials are using drones, camera traps, and ground patrols in a large-scale operation. The standard procedure involves tranquilizing and relocating the identified animal to a rescue facility, a challenging task in the dense forest terrain.
Impact on Local Tourism and Livelihoods
The indefinite closure is a significant blow to the local economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism drawn by the popular wildlife safaris. Safari operators, jeep drivers, guides, and hospitality businesses in the area are now facing an uncertain financial future during a peak tourist season.
“We understand the gravity of the situation, but a blanket ban is devastating,” said a local resort owner in Bandipur. “Our livelihoods are tied to these safaris. We hope the department can resolve this quickly.”
A Symptom of a Deeper Problem, Say Conservationists
While acknowledging the tragic loss of human life, wildlife experts and conservationists argue that the safari closure is a reactive measure that fails to address the root causes of the conflict. They point to larger environmental issues as the driving force behind the increased tiger attacks.
“Closing the gates to tourists is a temporary fix, a band-aid on a much deeper wound,” commented a Bengaluru-based wildlife biologist. “These incidents are symptoms of habitat fragmentation, shrinking corridors for animal movement, and increasing human pressure on forest resources. Tigers are straying into human-dominated landscapes because their own habitats are under stress.”
The silent safari jeeps in Bandipur and Nagarahole now stand as a stark symbol of the complex challenge of balancing human safety with wildlife conservation in India.
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