Home / Environment / Tiger Reserve Safaris Roar Back After 100-Day Ban
Tiger Reserve Safaris Roar Back After 100-Day Ban
18 Feb
Summary
- Safari operations resume after a 100-day suspension due to tiger attacks.
- Safari hours reduced, vehicle numbers cut, and patrols increased near villages.
- GPS tracking and dashboard cameras will be installed on all safari vehicles.
Safari operations in Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves are resuming after a suspension of over 100 days. Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre announced the phased restart following an interim report from an expert committee. Safari hours have been reduced from eight to five hours daily, with further reductions in Sunkadakatte and Nagarahole.
In the initial phase, only 50% of pre-suspension safari vehicles will operate. The remaining capacity will be redirected to increased patrolling near villages to prevent wildlife from entering human settlements. Over the next two months, all safari vehicles will be equipped with GPS tracking and dashboard cameras to monitor operations and ensure adherence to reduced timings.
The expert committee found no scientific evidence linking safari operations to increased tiger presence in human settlements. Eco-tourism revenue will partly fund community skill development and environmental initiatives. Enhanced personnel deployment in sensitive areas is prioritized to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
