CM D.K. Shivakumar Directs Resumption of Bandipur-Nagarhole Safaris with Enhanced Safety Measures; Calls for Resolution of Mekedatu Project Issues
Bengaluru, June 30: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday directed officials to resume safari operations and eco-tourism activities at Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks after ensuring that all necessary safety measures are implemented to safeguard visitors.
Chairing a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Karnataka State Wildlife Board at Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister also instructed officials to resolve all pending technical issues related to the Mekedatu drinking water project, stating that even minor procedural lapses should not provide grounds for legal objections before the Supreme Court.
Officials informed the meeting that tiger and leopard densities in the eco-tourism and safari zones of Bandipur and Nagarhole are higher than in many other regions experiencing human-wildlife conflict. In view of this, the Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols before restarting safari operations so that tourist safety is not compromised.
During the meeting, officials also highlighted that the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) has obstructed traditional movement routes of elephants, tigers and leopards. As a result, wildlife has increasingly been moving out of forest areas towards Channapatna and Ramanagara, contributing to a rise in human-wildlife conflict.
Officials further pointed out that while approval for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway had included conditions mandating the construction of wildlife underpasses, overpasses and dedicated animal corridors to facilitate safe movement of wild animals, these provisions were not implemented adequately during the execution of the project.
The meeting also reviewed public safety concerns arising from hazardous trees within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. Members of the Standing Committee informed the Chief Minister that despite earlier directions to remove dead and dangerous trees and branches, inadequate implementation had resulted in several accidents during heavy rain and strong winds.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Shivakumar instructed the concerned departments to immediately identify, remove and mitigate hazardous trees and branches, stressing that public safety must remain the highest priority.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue to balance wildlife conservation, environmental protection and public safety while ensuring that development projects comply with ecological safeguards and legal requirements.
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