Karnataka to End Open Vehicle Safaris in Tiger Reserves
In addition to the stopping open jeep safaris, an ambulance will be kept ready near safari counters to be pressed into service in case of emergency
BENGALURU: Considering the safety of visitors of utmost importance, no more open vehicle wildlife safaris in tiger reserves as well as wildlife sanctuaries of the State and the open campers in service will be fitted with unbreakable glasses or iron mesh so as to prevent any attacks from wild animals during jungle safaris. In addition to the stopping open jeep safaris, an ambulance will be kept ready near safari counters to be pressed into service in case of emergency.
Disclosing the move, Minister of Forests and Environment Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday stated “So far no untoward incident of wild animals attack in a jungle safaris has been reported. Instead of open jeep safaris, bus safaris will be given priority in coming days.”
In August previous year, a leopard pounced on a safari vehicle and sneaked into the vehicle to attack a 12-year-old boy while a couple of later another woman on safari in Bannerughatta Biological Park was also injured in a leopard attack.
“First aid kits will be kept available in all safari vehicles,” said the Minister and explained the measures are needed of the hour over the death of a visitor from Tamil Nadu at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu a couple of days.
The husband of the victim, Tulsi, alleged there was no ambulance service available at the camp when his wife came under a massive sized elephant at the camp. A tamed elephant Marthanda fell on Tulasi after his fellow tamed elephant Kanjan gave him a push and the impact of the push was so staring that Marthanda fell on the visitor who was standing in River Cauvery to bathe tamed elephants at the camp.
Currently, the forest department conducts jungle safaris in tiger reserves of Bandipur, Nagarahole, Bhadra, Kali and B.R. Hills including K. Gudi and in the wildlife sanctuaries of MM Hills and Dandeli among other forests.
A wildlife activist told Deccan Chronicle the measures give top priority to bus safaris instead of open jeep safaris have come late and the activist pointed to several instances of elephants giving safari vehicles a chase have been reported in Bandipur and Nagarhole tiger reserves among many instances of close encounters with wild animals but no untoward incidents occurred owing to driver’s presence of mind.
