Travel operators urge Karnataka government to resume safaris as livelihoods hit

The Karnataka State Travel Owners’ Association has appealed to the State government to immediately resume safari operations in Bandipur and Nagarahole, arguing that the prolonged suspension has severely impacted tourism and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on the sector.

Safari operations in both tiger reserves were halted earlier this month following a series of tiger attacks in the H.D. Kote and Sargur regions. Three farmers were killed in separate incidents, the attacks created widespread fear among residents of forest-fringe villages, prompting the government to suspend tourism activities including safaris and trekking in conflict-prone areas to support efforts to track and capture tigers straying into human habitations. The Forest Department has since trapped two tigers suspected to be involved in the fatalities.

However, the suspension has had an impact on an already struggling tourism industry, said K. Radhakrishna Holla, President of the Karnataka State Travel Owners’ Association. “The tourism sector in Karnataka is already facing several challenges. Due to various reasons, the number of tourists visiting the State has significantly declined. In such a situation, the decision to completely halt jungle safaris and other tourism activities in protected forest areas citing ‘possible human–wildlife conflict’ is, in our opinion, not appropriate,” Mr. Holla told The Hindu.

Winter busiest time for tourists

He added that while restrictions during the summer months are understandable due to water scarcity, high temperatures and forest fire risks, the ongoing ban in winter, traditionally the peak tourism season, has had a severe economic fallout.

“Winter is the busiest time for tourists visiting Karnataka. Imposing a complete ban during this period severely affects tourism as well as the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on it,” he said.

A large section of grassroots workers involved in the tourism sector, including drivers, guides, booking staff, jeep operators and hospitality workers depend almost entirely on jungle safari services for their day-to-day earnings. “Today, their livelihood has come to a standstill. The government should take a decision soon to restart the safari, or else it will severely impact the livelihood of thousands of drivers and travel operators,” Mr. Holla added.

Narayana L.R., a cab driver from Yelahanka who regularly ferried tourists to Bandipur, said his income has plunged since the suspension. “On a normal week I used to make at least ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 from tourist trips. Now, I barely earn ₹3,000. We understand safety is important, but shutting everything down has pushed many of us into financial trouble,” he said.

Calibrated approach needed

The association has urged the government to adopt a calibrated approach rather than a blanket ban. “We strongly request that the jungle safaris suspended in Karnataka’s protected forest areas be resumed immediately, with strict adherence to safety guidelines and by operating only fully safe and certified vehicles, ensuring controlled and regulated entry. This is the only fair and balanced approach that protects both wildlife safety and the livelihood of thousands of families who depend on this sector,” Mr. Holla added.