Tiger Safari Resumption in Karnataka Faces Delays and Protests
Even after two days since the government announced the resumption of tiger safari activities at Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves, the official guidelines for these operations have not been released. This delay comes amidst growing protests from farmer groups who argue that such safaris primarily benefit corrupt officials rather than serving any meaningful purpose.
Official Uncertainty and Tourist Demand
Officials have stated that they are awaiting government instructions regarding the relaunch of these safari activities, which were discontinued on November 7 last year. "Safari is likely to resume from Monday if there is sufficient demand from tourists," an official explained. Currently, enquiries are low, and bookings are expected to remain minimal for the next few days due to ongoing uncertainty.
Farmer Agitation and Opposition
Meanwhile, farmer groups have initiated an agitation at the gram panchayat level, strongly opposing safari activities in forested areas. On Saturday, group members submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah through their respective gram panchayats. The memorandum asserts that these safaris do not benefit anyone except for a few corrupt officials and politicians.
It urges authorities to consult with members of Scheduled Tribes and farmers, whom the memorandum describes as the true conservators of forests. According to farmer leader Honnur Prakash, a protest will be organized in front of the Regional Commissioner's office on March 1. "We will hold protests in all grama panchayats against the state government's decision to resume safaris, which will have a huge negative impact on forests, wildlife, and farmers," Prakash declared.
Guidelines for Safari Operations
The office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), who serves as the Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, has issued specific guidelines for restarting safari operations in Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve:
- Each safari will last 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- A total of five hours of safari will be allowed per day.
- Safaris will be conducted between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM, and between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Dammanakatte):
- Each safari will be 3 hours in duration.
- A total of six hours of safari will be allowed per day.
- Safaris will operate between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM, and between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (General):
- Each safari ride will be two hours long.
- A total of four hours of safari will be permitted per day.
- Safaris will be conducted between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
The situation remains tense as the government balances wildlife tourism with local concerns, highlighting the complex interplay between conservation efforts and community interests in Karnataka's protected forest areas.
