Farmers’ body opposes resumption of safari in Nagarhole and Bandipur

Farmers oppose safari resumption in Nagarhole and Bandipur, citing risks to wildlife, human safety, and inadequate government support.

Activists from the Federation of State Farmers’ Organisations gathered outside Aranya Bhavan, the Forest Department’s office in Mysuru, on Thursday to voice their opposition to the Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre’s decision to allow resumption of safari operations in Bandipura and Nagarhole forests.

Led by the Federation’s president, Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, the farmers gathered outside the Aranya Bhavan premises and raised slogans such as ‘Save Bandipur, Save Nagarhole’, ‘Down with Forest Minister’, and ‘Down with State government’.

The protesters urged the government to withdraw the order and continue the ban on safari operations.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Mr. Bhagyaraj said the decision to permit resumption of safari operations was “anti-farmer, anti-wildlife, and anti-forest”. He accused the government of “playing with lives” of the farmers and also alleged that the move was intended to benefit wealthy capitalists by allowing access to recreational facilities inside forests.

Bhagyraj claimed that distressed wildlife, affected by safari disturbances, often stray into human habitations, leading to human-animal conflict and even loss of lives among farmers and their families. He asserted that there have been no reports of such conflicts after safari operations were halted.

Claiming that safari activities disturbed biodiversity, Mr. Bhagyaraj said the loud noises and vehicle movements disoriented wild animals and pushed them towards nearby villages.