Karnataka govt clears full reopening of Bandipur, Nagarahole jungle safaris
State accepts expert panel's recommendations on carrying capacity, restores full safari operations with regulated eco-tourism measures after months of phased reopening
Bengaluru, Jun 26 (PTI) The Karnataka government has decided to fully reopen the jungle safari at the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, based on the effective carrying capacity scientifically assessed by a Technical Committee of experts and officials.
The committee's report has been accepted by the state government, and directions have been issued to operate the jungle safari in a regulated manner, in line with the panel's recommendations, officials said.
"Karnataka holds immense potential in eco-tourism and has consistently followed a model of sustainable tourism which generates local employment and livelihood opportunities while boosting the local economy," a statement issued by the office of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said.
The state remains committed to the eco-tourism model that safeguards ecological integrity and ensures that tourism contributes positively to conservation, local livelihoods, and visitor experience, it stated.
According to officials, the jungle safari at the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves was suspended on November 7, 2025, following protests by local residents over the increasing incidents of human-animal conflict.
A technical committee comprising scientists and wildlife experts was subsequently constituted to examine the issue, a senior forest official said.
Based on its preliminary report, the government resumed safari operations in a phased manner with restrictions in February this year, he said.
"Following the submission of the committee's final report, the government has now decided to fully reopen the jungle safaris at the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves in line with the committee's recommendations," he added. PTI