With tiger attacks rising in southern Karnataka, safaris in Nagarhole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves have been suspended until further notice. This order was issued by State Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre, who also directed that trekking activities in forest zones that are prone to human-wildlife conflicts be immediately suspended.
There have been at least four incidents of tiger attacks on humans in the last one month period. A 35-year-old man named Choudaiah Naik was killed by a tiger near Hale Heggodilu village in the Moleyur range of Saragur taluk, Mysuru district, on Friday. Earlier, a man named Mahadeva alias Madegowda of Badagalapura village was seriously injured and visually impaired in a tiger attack. Earlier, Rajashekar of Bannegere and Doddaningaiah of Kurnegal were killed by tigers in two separate incidents.
Forest officials have now been put on high alert, and additional teams have been pressed into service to keep a track on the movement of tigers in the affected areas of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.
“The loss of three human lives within a month in tiger attacks across Bandipur and Nagarhole is a matter of grave concern. Every measure must be taken to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of local residents,” Minister Khandre said in the directive.
He further expressed deep anguish over the deaths and injuries, calling the attacks “deeply painful and alarming”.
In a written order dispatched to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief Wildlife Warden, the minister asked for the deployment of all available resources for tiger-tracking and capture operations.
He also instructed to shift officers, drivers and staff involved in Bandipur and Nagarhole safari services to tiger-tracking and capture efforts.