Mysore/Mysuru: With the State Government giving its nod for partial resumption of wildlife safaris in Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves, permitting operations at 50 percent capacity, safaris at the two Tiger Reserves began after a gap of four months with safari goers spotting tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, gaurs, birds and other wild animals on the first day yesterday.

Following a series of fatal tiger attacks at villagers bordering Bandipur Tiger Reserve, safari trips were temporarily banned resulting in tourism taking a hit.

On Feb. 18, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced the decision of commencing partial safaris at a press briefing held at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, citing improved safety conditions and recommendations from a technical committee.

Under the new norms, Bandipur safari duration was reduced from eight hours to five, while Nagarahole safaris will run for four hours. Trips at Kakanakote will be allowed for six hours during the first phase. Only half of the safari vehicles will operate initially and all safari vehicles must be fitted with GPS trackers and dashboard cameras within two months to prevent misuse, including operations beyond permitted hours.

Only 31 vehicles (19 Forest Department vehicles and 12 vehicles of Jungle Lodges and Resorts) have been permitted to take tourists on safari trips in Bandipur from 6.30 am to 9 am and from 3.30 pm to 6 pm.

At Nagarahole, 36 vehicles (13 Forest Department vehicles and 23 vehicles of Jungle Lodges and Resorts) have been given permission to take tourists on safari trips from 6.30 am to 9.30 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm from Kakanakote (Dammanakatte) Safari Centre.

From Nanachi and Veeranahosahalli Safari Centres in Nagarahole, 14 vehicles (six Forest Department vehicles and eight vehicles of Jungle Lodges and Resorts) will take tourists on safaris from 7 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Mobile phones banned: Tourists have been banned from taking their mobile phones on safari trips and are advised to keep their mobile phones inside their vehicles before going on safari.

Police security: As a few organisations had opposed the commencement of safaris, Police had provided security to safari vehicles from the safari ticket counter at Melukamanahalli till the vehicles entered the forest. 

Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Gopalaswamy Hill range Mallesh said that safaris have been commenced with 50 percent capacity as per the Government’s guidelines and instructions with safari goers from other places arriving on receiving information about the commencement of safaris after a long gap.

Police provided security for the smooth functioning of safaris at Bandipur, the RFO added.