Karnataka is overhauling safari safety across its tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, with Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directing officials to replace open camper vehicles with fully enclosed buses. The move follows the death of a tourist at Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu on May 18, during a clash between two trained elephants.
The directive covers safaris across Bandipur, Nagarahole, Kali, Bhadra, and Biligirirangana Hills tiger reserves, as well as forest areas including Dandeli, Malai Mahadeshwara Hills, and K Gudi. Where immediate replacement is not possible, existing campers are to be fitted with iron grills or shatterproof glass as an interim measure.
Additional instructions require each safari vehicle to carry a first-aid kit, with ambulance services made available near safari centres and elephant camps. Tourists will also be prohibited from stepping out of vehicles inside forest areas.
The Minister noted that no fatalities from wildlife attacks on safari vehicles have been recorded so far in the state, but stressed the importance of acting before such an incident occurs rather than after.
