No more open-jeep safaris in Karnataka’s tiger reserves
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre said that open safari jeeps could be fitted with iron-bar grills or shatterproof glass until they are replaced by safer vehicles.
A woman was killed at the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu during a fight between two captive elephants. (Representational image) Karnataka Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Wednesday directed authorities to replace open camper vehicles with safer buses for safaris across the state’s five tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
The direction comes days after a 33-year-old woman was killed at the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu during a fight between two captive elephants.
In the wake of the tragedy, the forest minister instructed the chief wildlife warden to pay greater attention to tourist safety at safari zones.
Speaking to the media, Khandre said, “Safaris are operational across several of Karnataka’s wildlife reserves and forests, including Bandipur, Nagarahole, Kali, Biligirirangana Betta and Bhadra Tiger Reserves, as well as Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Dandeli, and K Gudi. These destinations attract tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from across the state, the country, and abroad. Fortunately, no fatalities caused by elephants, tigers, or any other wild animals attacking safari vehicles have been reported so far. However, this measure has been taken to prevent an untoward incident.”
Karnataka’s tiger reserves used to conduct safaris in open jeeps twice a day. Khandre said the existing vehicles could be fitted with iron-bar grilles or shatterproof glass as an interim measure.
Thulasi, a resident of Chennai, died on Monday morning after a captive elephant fell on her during a fight with another elephant. One elephant attacked the other while mahouts were bathing them. Thulasi’s husband said the camp lacked ambulances or first-aid facilities, forcing them to run 10 km.
Khandre said an ambulance would be stationed near all safari centres and elephant camps and that safari vehicles would have first-aid kits.
A woman, Vahitha Banu, 56, suffered minor injuries on her hand when a leopard scratched her during a safari last November. She was on a non-AC safari bus that had covered grilles.
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