Safaris in Bandipur, Nagarahole national parks stopped

MYSORE: A day after the safari at Bandipur and Nagarahole national parks began, it has been suspended temporarily not because of Supreme Court direction but due to alleged interference.

This is a setback to the tourism industry which has already took a hit with the recent Cauvery protests. The tiger sanctuaries were closed for over two-and-half months until Thursday when the Supreme Court ordered its reopening. A source from the forest department confirmed that they had received an oral communication from their higher authorities against taking any bookings for Friday. "However, we didn't get any explanation for stopping the safari a day after it began," the source said.

Principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Dipak Sarmah confirmed to TOI that the safari had been stopped pending government approval. Even he refused to clarify the reason for the suspension.