Karnataka Government Suspends Trekking Activities in Wildlife Areas
The Karnataka government has announced the temporary closure of trekking trails and public pathways located inside wildlife-sensitive forest zones following the death of a 10-year-old boy in a leopard attack near the Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district. The decision was taken by Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre amid rising concerns over human-wildlife conflict across the state.
According to officials, all trekking routes and forest thoroughfares witnessing movement of leopards, tigers, elephants, sloth bears, and other wild animals will remain closed until further notice. The order applies to trekking and eco-tourism activities managed by the Karnataka Forest Department and the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board.
Leopard Attack Triggered Emergency Action
The government’s decision comes after a shocking incident near Nagamale forest in the Cauvery Wildlife Division, where a leopard reportedly attacked and killed a young boy who was visiting the region with his family. The tragedy triggered widespread concern among pilgrims, trekkers, and local residents regarding safety arrangements in forest areas.
Authorities stated that trekking activities will only resume after officials ensure complete compliance with recently introduced Standard Operating Procedures for eco-tourism and trekking safety.
Strict Safety Rules to Be Implemented
The Karnataka Forest Department had already introduced stricter trekking regulations earlier this year after several incidents involving missing trekkers and wildlife encounters. The new SOPs include mandatory online registration, certified guides, restricted group sizes, GPS-linked monitoring, emergency rescue systems, and wildlife movement tracking before treks are approved.
Officials have now been instructed to reassess all forest trekking routes and identify vulnerable stretches before reopening them to the public. Trekking activities in locations lacking adequate safety infrastructure may remain suspended for an extended period.
Concerns Over Human-Wildlife Conflict Growing
Wildlife experts say increasing human movement inside forest areas has intensified encounters between animals and visitors in recent years. Karnataka’s popular trekking destinations, especially in the Western Ghats and wildlife sanctuaries, attract thousands of tourists every season.
Forest officials have repeatedly warned that overcrowding, littering, illegal trekking routes, and disturbance to wildlife habitats are increasing risks for both humans and animals.
The state government had previously imposed temporary trekking restrictions in ecologically sensitive areas like Kudremukh and Pushpagiri to reduce forest fires, environmental damage, and wildlife disturbances.
Latest Developments
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has reportedly directed senior officials to conduct detailed safety reviews in all wildlife-sensitive zones before trekking activities are restarted. Authorities are also considering stronger surveillance measures, including drone monitoring and wildlife alert systems on popular trekking routes.
Meanwhile, public movement on the Nagamale route near the Male Mahadeshwara Hills may now be restricted to major religious occasions like Shivaratri and Ugadi fairs under controlled conditions.
The Karnataka government’s latest decision highlights growing concerns over balancing eco-tourism, public safety, and wildlife conservation as human-animal conflict incidents continue to rise across forest regions in the state.
