Third Fatal Tiger Attack Prompts Immediate Safari Ban
A tragic tiger attack has claimed the life of a farmer in Mysuru district, marking the third such fatality in the region within just one month. The incident has prompted Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to order immediate suspension of all safari operations in two major tiger reserves.
The victim, Chowdayya Nayak (35), was attacked and killed at Hale Heggudilu village in Saragur taluk of Mysuru district on Friday. This represents the third human death due to tiger attacks in the Bandipur-Nagarahole forest belt spanning Mysuru and Chamarajanagara districts over the past month.
Immediate Measures Taken by Forest Department
In response to the escalating situation, Forest Minister Khandre has issued written instructions to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden implementing several emergency measures:
- Immediate suspension of safari services in both Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves until further notice
- Halting of all trekking activities in areas prone to human-wildlife conflict
- Deployment of all safari staff, including officials and vehicle drivers, for tiger capture operations
- On-site camping by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Project Tiger
The minister described the loss of three human lives within one month as "deeply distressing" and emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Previous Warnings and Escalating Situation
According to statements from the minister's office, the forest department had already conducted review meetings in Bandipur on October 27 and Chamarajanagara on November 2 following previous attacks. These meetings involved district in-charge ministers and local MLAs, with discussions held with farmers and local residents.
During these meetings, officials had explicitly warned that safari services might be suspended if another incident occurred. "However, another tragic incident has occurred, causing shock," Minister Khandre stated, explaining the necessity of the current drastic measures.
The forest department is now focusing all available resources on capturing the tiger responsible for the recent attacks, with tourism activities taking a backseat to public safety concerns in the affected regions.
