Farmers Protest as Safari Resumes in Bandipur and Nagarhole
Farmers Protest as Safari Resumes in Bandipur and Nagarhole
Farmers’ activists protest outside Mysuru's forest office as safaris in Bandipur and Nagarhole prepare to resume, arguing it harms local livelihoods and wildlife.
Activists from the Federation of State Farmers’ Organisations gathered outside Aranya Bhavan, the Forest Department’s office in Mysuru, on Thursday to oppose the Forest Minister’s decision to resume safaris in Bandipur and Nagarhole forests. Led by federation president Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, protesters raised slogans such as Save Bandipur, Save Nagarhole, Down with Forest Minister, and Down with State government. They urged the government to withdraw the order and continue the ban on safari operations. Bhagyaraj argued the move would hurt farmers, wildlife, and forests and accused officials of trying to benefit wealthy capitalists by allowing access to recreational activities inside forests. He said distressed wildlife disturbed by safaris often strays into human habitations, increasing the risk of human-animal conflicts and even deaths among local families. He claimed safari activities disturb biodiversity, with loud noises and vehicle movements disorienting animals and pushing them toward nearby villages, and he asserted the decision was taken without consulting local farmers.
He noted that there have been no reports of such conflicts since safaris were halted and criticized district-in-charge ministers for failing to consult local stakeholders. The protesters said ministers, MLAs, and MPs who do not live near forests cannot understand the risks of wild animals straying into human settlements.
In a related development, safaris are set to resume from February 19 in Bandipur and Nagarhole, a move officials say is intended to regulate tourism and support local livelihoods while implementing safeguards to minimize conflicts. The farmers’ body plans to continue mobilizing against the decision until the ban is reinstated.
