Karnataka Reopens Bandipur, Nagarahole Safaris With New Restrictions After Attack Scare

• Safaris at Nagarahole and Bandipur wildlife reserves have resumed today after a temporary suspension due to a rise in fatal tiger and leopard attacks.
• Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed the decision, stating operations will restart at 50% capacity based on an interim technical committee recommendation.
• New restrictions include halving vehicle deployment, curtailed safari hours (Bandipur: 5 pm limit; Nagarahole: 6 hours in Sankadakatte, 4 hours in Nagarahole zone), and a ban on campfires at nearby resorts.
• Farmers in border areas near Bandipur oppose the reopening, planning protests due to safety concerns.
• The safari suspension led to an estimated Rs 3 crore daily loss for 35 resorts and impacted 8,000 livelihoods in the eco-tourism sector.