Bengaluru, April 15: The Karnataka High Court has refused to impose a ban on tiger safaris in the state. The bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhus Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha, directed the state government to submit a detailed affidavit clearly delineating core, buffer, and tourism zones, as well as specifying the locations where safaris are currently being conducted.
This decision came during the hearing of a public interest petition filed by V. Ravikumar, a resident of Mysuru. The petition sought a complete ban on tiger safaris, arguing that they are being conducted in areas of reserved forests that are critical habitats for tigers, thus violating established conservation guidelines.
However, the court declined to impose an immediate ban and instructed the state government to respond to the petition. Additionally, the court requested the government to provide detailed maps outlining the core, buffer, and tourism areas.
The petition referenced significant Supreme Court rulings related to forest conservation and wildlife management. It claimed that the areas where safaris are being conducted are indeed core tiger habitats, where such activities are not permitted. The petitioner also alleged that the decision to resume safaris was influenced by political and commercial pressures, warning that this could escalate conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Notably, in 2025, the state government had suspended jungle safaris following incidents where tigers ventured out of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and attacked villagers, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Subsequently, a minister stated that there was no scientific evidence to suggest that jungle safaris significantly disrupt wildlife such as tigers, leopards, or elephants, or that they increase human-wildlife conflict. Following recommendations from a technical committee, the phased resumption of tiger safaris was permitted.
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve spans the districts of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, while the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is located in Mysuru and Kodagu districts. Both are vital protected forest areas in South India, known for their rich biodiversity and tiger conservation efforts.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve, situated in southern Karnataka, is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, home to a significant population of tigers, elephants, and diverse flora and fauna. It connects with other protected forests in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, forming an essential wildlife corridor.
On the other hand, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is famous for its dense forests, rivers, and high wildlife density. It hosts various species of tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer. Wildlife sightings are common in the backwaters of Kabini located within this reserve. Both tiger reserves play a crucial role under Project Tiger and are vital for ecological balance and wildlife conservation in the Western Ghats.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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