Even as stakeholders in the tourism industry have urged the government to lift the ban on visitors to the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, a farmers’ organisation in Mysuru has demanded that the restrictions remain in place, citing the safety of villagers and farmers following a series of tiger attacks in Sargur and H.D. Kote areas of Mysuru district. The incidents in October and November claimed the lives of three farmers and left another grievously injured.
In the aftermath of the attacks, the Forest Department captured a couple of tigers suspected to be responsible.
Stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sectors here recently submitted a memorandum to the district administration seeking the revocation of the ban, arguing that the suspension of safaris has severely affected tourism, especially with the New Year season approaching. They expressed concern over potential financial losses and the threat of unemployment in the industry if the ban continues.
However, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Raitha Parva have urged the government to maintain the status quo and continue the suspension of safaris in the interest of farmers, who are still recovering from the fear triggered by the recent attacks. They said villagers living on the forest fringes remain afraid to step out, particularly early in the morning and late in the evening.
The organisations also blamed illegal homestays and resorts operating along forest boundaries for escalating human–wildlife conflicts.
They demanded that the Forest Department must put in place strong preventive measures, ensure such incidents do not recur, and take steps to restore confidence among residents of the affected villages.
Published – December 08, 2025 07:05 pm IST
