After Suspension, Bandipur And Nagarhole Safaris Set To Welcome Tourists Again

Good news for wildlife enthusiasts and local tourism stakeholders: the Bandipur and Nagarhole safaris, which were suspended due to human-wildlife conflict, are set to resume in a phased manner, according to the State Wildlife Board. The decision was taken at the 20th meeting of the board, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The board has proposed forming an expert committee to study the capacity of safari vehicles and assess whether their movement disturbs wildlife or causes animals to leave the forest. The committee will also explore measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts before safari operations restart.

During the meeting, CM Siddaramaiah noted that the resumption of safaris must balance wildlife conservation and public interest.

After hearing all opinions, he suggested the committee should submit a detailed report on how safaris could be resumed safely and in phases.

Locals and farmers have previously raised concerns that the movement of safari vehicles may cause wildlife to leave the forest. According to officials, Bandipur has seen a significant rise in tiger population, from 12 in 1972 to around 175–200 today. Experts note that a tiger requires roughly 10 square kilometres of free habitat to survive, but the 900-square-kilometre forest currently supports twice the ideal population density. This overcrowding has contributed to occasional tiger migration from the forest.

Wildlife ambassador and former cricketer Anil Kumble urged the resumption of safaris, emphasizing that only 8% of the forest is impacted by safari routes, and the activity does not significantly disturb wildlife. Kumble also highlighted the livelihood concerns of locals dependent on tourism, noting that the suspension of safaris had brought many livelihoods to a halt.

Gundlupet MLA Ganesh Prasad also stressed that the safari suspension had affected local incomes and tourism. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden P.C. Ray recommended that the safaris restart gradually, a view echoed by other members at the meeting.

The phased resumption of Bandipur and Nagarhole safaris is expected to revive tourism, protect wildlife, and address local livelihoods, while ensuring that human-wildlife conflicts are carefully managed.