No trip beyond 6 pm in Bandipur safari: Eshwar Khandre

Bengaluru: In the wake of complaints that higher tourist footfalls in Bandipur Tiger Reserve has led to safari beyond 6 pm, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered the department to cut off one trip in the evening to avoid such disturbance to wildlife.

“The number of safari trips were increased to meet the demand of an increased number of tourists. Various farmer associations have alleged that this has led to safari trips even after 6 pm and demand for an end to safari altogether,” Khandre said, in a letter to principal secretary, Forest Department.

Noting that safari plays an important role in educating people about wildlife and providing livelihood for several others, he stressed the need to maintain balance and has ordered the cancellation of the last trip to avoid the sound and light pollution.

Safari timings and prices are different for bus/canter and jeep. While canter timings ended at 6 pm, the cheaper bus safari was extended up to 6.30 pm. The department didn’t display timings for jeep safari but a source said there were instances when the jeep safari crossed the 6 pm deadline.