BENGALURU
The Karnataka government has temporarily suspended trekking and transit activities in forest areas frequented by wild animals following the death of a 10-year-old boy in a leopard attack at Nagamale forest in Chamarajanagar district.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre issued directions to halt all trekking routes and movement paths located in wildlife movement zones until further orders.
The decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of trekkers and the general public. Officials have been instructed to immediately stop activities in areas where leopards, tigers, elephants, bears and other wild animals frequently move, as well as regions that have witnessed incidents of human-wildlife conflict.
An official circular has been issued in this regard by the forest department.
The minister also directed authorities to ensure that trekking activities are conducted only in a safe and responsible manner by strictly following the recently issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
He warned that trekking activities should not be permitted on routes where adequate arrangements have not been made to implement the SOP guidelines effectively.
According to officials, trekking routes managed under the supervision of the Karnataka Forest Department and the Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board can resume operations only after ensuring complete preparedness for SOP compliance.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden have issued separate circulars outlining safety protocols and operational guidelines.
The move comes amid growing concern over rising human-wildlife conflict incidents in forest fringe regions across Karnataka during the summer season.