Resort owners urge govt to lift safari suspension
Ecotourism resort owners have written to tourism minister HK Patil, seeking the immediate withdrawal of the blanket ban on safaris in Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves, warning that continued closure could cripple the sector.
No scientific link between safaris and tiger attacks
The Karnataka Ecotourism Resorts Association (KETRA) stated there is no scientific study establishing a connection between regulated safari tourism and recent human deaths caused by tiger attacks.
Safari routes far from conflict zones
According to KETRA, safari areas in Nagarahole are completely disconnected from locations where conflict incidents occurred, while safari routes in Bandipur are situated nearly 50–100 km away from the affected regions.
Heavy revenue loss to state exchequer
The association estimated that the state is losing around Rs 60–70 lakh per day in GST revenue due to the suspension, adding pressure on government finances.
Private and public operators suffer daily losses
KETRA members are collectively losing over Rs 3 crore a day because of mass cancellations, while Jungle Lodges and Resorts are incurring losses of nearly Rs 30 lakh daily.
Forest department loses safari fee revenue
The forest department is also bearing the brunt of the ban, with daily losses of about Rs 30 lakh in safari fees since operations were halted.
Livelihoods of local and tribal communities at risk
The ecotourism sector employs around 8,000 people, nearly 80% of them from local villages and indigenous tribal communities, whose livelihoods are now under threat due to the prolonged suspension.
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