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Leopard Attack Halts Pilgrimage: New Safety Rules Imposed
12 May
Summary
- Pilgrim movement restricted after a 10-year-old boy died in a leopard attack.
- New rules mandate guides and jeep travel for pilgrims in the sanctuary.
- Vegetation clearance and bus promotion aim to enhance pilgrim safety.
A recent fatal leopard attack has prompted significant safety changes for pilgrims in Karnataka's Male Mahadeshwara Hills wildlife sanctuary. The forest department has imposed restrictions on movement following the death of a 10-year-old boy, Harshith Gowda, who was attacked on May 10 while walking towards the Nagamale shrine.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that the 14-km Nagamale padayatra will now be limited to 3 km. Pilgrims must be accompanied by guides equipped with walkie-talkies, and all devotees will be required to travel by jeep from the ticket counter.
In the permitted trekking areas, vegetation will be cleared on both sides to create a clear line of sight for better wildlife visibility. Additionally, the 7-km Madappa Darshana padayatra will only be allowed during Shivratri and Ugadi festivals, not year-round.
These measures come after two previous incidents along the same route in January and February, involving leopard attacks that resulted in another pilgrim's death and an injury to an eight-year-old boy. The department also plans to encourage pilgrims to use buses instead of walking to the shrine.
