Tiger attacks: Karnataka Minister orders closure of safari in Bandipur, Nagarahole

Amid rising tiger attacks in Mysuru region leading to the tragic deaths of farmers, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre ordered the immediate closure of safari operations in Nagarahole and Bandipur, along with the suspension of trekking activities in human–wildlife conflict zones. The Minister has directed that all available forest personnel be deployed for the operation to capture the tiger responsible for repeated attacks on humans.

In a written directive to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. Khandre expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chowdaiah Naika (35), who was killed in a tiger attack near Hale Heggodilu village in the Moleyur range of Saragur taluk in Mysuru district on November 7 morning.

He ordered that both safari operations remain closed until further notice, and that the services of officers, and safari staff be diverted to support the operation to capture the tiger.

The Minister noted that three lives have been lost in tiger attacks along the fringes of the Nagarahole–Bandipur forests in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts in the last one month, which he described as deeply distressing.

Recalling meetings held on October 27 in Bandipur and on November 2 in Chamarajanagar attended by Chamarajanagar district In-charge Minister K. Venkatesh, Mysuru district in-charge and Social Welfare Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, and local legislators, Mr. Khandre said that clear instructions had been issued to intensify efforts to capture the tiger, and to be prepared to close safari operations, if necessary. “Yet, the recurrence of such a tragic incident is shocking,” he said.

In view of the death due to tiger attack reported on November 7, the Minister has ordered that trekking in conflict-prone areas be suspended, and that all officers, safari staff and vehicle drivers be reassigned to the operation to capture the tiger. He has also instructed the Additional PCCF (Wildlife) and Project Tiger directors to camp on-site and personally supervise efforts to capture the tiger.