Bandipur Safari Resumes Amid Protests; Police Escort in Place

Chamarajanagar : After weeks of uncertainty and protests, safari operations at Bandipur National Park have resumed under tight police security. The reopening comes amid strong opposition from farmer organisations following the recent deaths of three farmers in alleged tiger attacks in the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park forest ranges.

Safari services had been suspended after the incidents triggered fear and outrage among local communities. Farmer groups had demanded enhanced safety measures and compensation, and opposed the immediate resumption of tourism activities.

In view of the protests, authorities have restarted the safari with significant restrictions and security arrangements. A heavy police presence has been deployed at the Bandipur Safari Centre, and vehicles are being provided escort protection from Melukamanahalli Safari Centre up to the forest entry gate as a precautionary measure.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Naveen Kumar said the safari has resumed with modifications. “We have restarted the safari with certain restrictions. Only 50 per cent of the vehicles are being operated. The earlier eight-hour safari duration has been reduced to five hours,” he said.

The revised timings have been fixed from 6.30 am to 9 am in the morning and from 3.30 pm to 6 pm in the evening.

Despite the tension surrounding the issue, tourists turned up in large numbers on the first day of reopening after nearly three months. Visitors expressed excitement at being able to witness wildlife in its natural habitat once again.

“The response has been very encouraging. Tourists were eager to experience the safari. In the very first round today, visitors spotted key attractions such as tigers, elephants and peacocks,” forest officials said.

The resumption has brought relief to stakeholders dependent on tourism, including jeep drivers, guides and small vendors, who had been facing financial hardship during the suspension period.

However, farmer organisations continue to voice concerns over safety in villages bordering the forest areas. They argue that reopening safari operations without addressing human-wildlife conflict issues could escalate tensions.

While local tourism operators and visitors have welcomed the decision, the next course of action by protesting farmer groups remains uncertain. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure law and order is maintained while balancing conservation and livelihood concerns.