Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 30: In a move aimed at curbing the escalating human–wildlife conflict, forest minister Eshwar Khandre has issued a crucial directive to reduce the number of safari trips in the state’s premier tiger reserves — Bandipur and Nagarahole.

The decision, announced this week, follows mounting pressure from local farmers’ associations, who allege that late-evening safaris are disrupting wildlife and driving animals out of the forest into nearby villages.

Farmers around the Bandipur and Nagarahole reserves have long complained that safari vehicles operating beyond 6 pm, with their blinding headlights and engine noise, are agitating wild animals. They claim this disturbance has forced elephants, deer, and even big cats to stray into farmlands, destroying crops and threatening villagers.

Responding to these concerns, minister Khandre has now directed officials to scrap the final safari trip of the day, calling it a necessary step to protect both people and wildlife. “Safaris do play an important role in spreading environmental awareness and sustaining local livelihoods. However, considering the growing man–animal conflict, we have decided to cut one safari trip as an urgent measure,” Khandre said in his order, effective from October 28.

Bandipur Safari schedule trimmed

At present, Bandipur conducts five safari trips daily with a fleet of 17 vehicles — comprising five Gypsies, five Campers, and seven mini-buses.

• Morning trips: 6:30 am and 8 am

• Evening trips: 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5 pm

Under the new order, the final 5 pm trip has been cancelled. Jungle Lodges, which operates an additional 10 safari vehicles, will also have to halt the popular post-5 pm safari, often favoured by tourists hoping for prime wildlife sightings.

Bandipur Chief Forest Officer Prabhakaran confirmed receipt of the directive, saying, “We are aware of the minister’s order. Further action will be taken as per instructions from the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF).”

Balancing conservation and commerce

While the decision is expected to reduce stress on wildlife and help contain animal incursions into human settlements, it is also likely to impact tour operators, forest guides, and local vendors who rely on tourism for their livelihood.

The government insists the move is not anti-tourism but rather a measured step towards sustainable eco-tourism, striking a balance between wildlife protection and community welfare.