Tourist Misconduct Surges as Footfall Rises in Karnataka’s Bandipur

Speedy Summary:

• A tourist narrowly escaped death last Sunday after provoking a wild elephant in Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
• Similar incidents of tourists flouting wildlife and forest laws are recurring along the highways intersecting Bandipur, NH 766 (connecting Gundlupet to Wayanad) and NH 181 (connecting Gundlupet to Ooty).
• Common violations include stopping vehicles, disembarking for selfies with wild animals, reckless driving, over-speeding, and feeding animals.
• Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has instructed intensified crackdowns on such behaviours and warned against risky tourist conduct.
• Despite patrol teams and cautionary signages by the Forest Department, violations occur swiftly before intervention is absolutely possible.
• Wildlife activists blame inadequate monitoring by forest officials during high footfall periods like weekends.
• Suggestions include installing surveillance cameras along vulnerable stretches to enforce laws better; however, such infrastructure is currently absent.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The rising incidents of tourists breaking wildlife protection laws in Bandipur Tiger Reserve highlight a critical gap between public awareness efforts and effective enforcement measures. While the Forest Department has implemented patrolling units and signages to deter misconduct, its inability to promptly intervene points to limitations in manpower or strategic planning for area monitoring.

Bandipur’s accessibility from popular tourist destinations makes it a hotspot for visitors but also leaves it vulnerable to irresponsible behavior due to high traffic. this not only endangers human lives but also escalates stress on wildlife populations already coping with habitat fragmentation caused by roadways cutting through protected areas.Enhancements in technological surveillance systems-like cameras-may offer a practical solution for real-time tracking of law-breaking activities without requiring extensive staffing resources. Furthermore, stricter penalties combined with targeted campaigns emphasizing respect towards natural ecosystems could help bridge the awareness-enforcement gap over time. Coordinated efforts among government bodies and tourism operators will be crucial in maintaining a balance between conservation priorities and visitor influx at India’s premier tiger reserve.

Read More: The Hindu