Bengaluru, 26 June

Karnataka has fully reopened jungle safaris at Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves following a Technical Committee assessment, with directions to operate in a regulated manner, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s office.

Safaris were suspended on 7 November 2025 after a series of wildlife attacks claimed three lives in 15 days, with one person permanently disabled. Rural Development and Panchayat Development Minister Eshwar B Khandre defended the suspension, saying it was necessary to protect human lives.

He also noted that farmer organisations had raised concerns about heavy vehicle traffic disturbing wildlife when Opposition Leader R Ashoka noted over 4,000 jobs were lost during the suspension.

Khandre said Bandipur has a 314-kilometre border, of which 100 km is a high-conflict zone. Twenty-five anti-poaching camps were established, staff were appointed for 14-hour patrols, and a command centre was made operational.

Khandre clarified that the safari was resumed after all preparations were made to prevent further disasters

A technical committee of scientists and wildlife experts was subsequently constituted. Based on its preliminary report, the government resumed safaris in a phased manner with restrictions in February. Following the committee's final report, full reopening has now been approved.