"Bandipur Safari clash: Farmers protest, resort lobby push, 20 detained amid high drama"
Tension escalated near Bandipur National Park as farmers staged a strong protest against the reopening of safari operations, alleging rising human-wildlife conflict in forest-border villages. Demonstrators gathered near forest department offices demanding better safety measures, timely compensation for crop damage, and stronger fencing to prevent elephant intrusions.
According to local sources, police intervened after the protest intensified, and around 20 people were detained to control the situation. The brief detentions added to the high drama, with farmer leaders accusing authorities of ignoring rural concerns.
On the other hand, resort owners and tourism stakeholders defended the safari restart, arguing that eco-tourism sustains hundreds of local jobs and boosts the regional economy. They maintain that safari routes are regulated and that tourism alone cannot be blamed for wildlife movement toward villages.
Officials from the Forest Department stated that safari services are being resumed in a phased manner with enhanced monitoring and patrol systems. However, farmer groups insist that without concrete protection measures, reopening safaris could further endanger lives and livelihoods.
The standoff highlights the growing challenge of balancing conservation, tourism, and rural safety in Karnataka’s forest regions
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