In the wake of the recent fatal incident involving elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed officials to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tourist safety at all elephant camps across Karnataka.
The Minister has instructed that, from Tuesday on-wards, tourists will only be permitted to watch elephant bathing activities from a minimum distance of 100 feet. Visitors will not be allowed to approach elephants for selfies, photographs, bathing, or feeding activities.
The directions were issued following the death of a tourist woman during a fight between two elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp.
Khandre stated that tourist safety must be given the highest priority and instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden to implement strict safety measures immediately.
He noted that SOPs have already been introduced for eco-tourism trekking trails and trekking activities are temporarily suspended until safety protocols are fully implemented.
Similar guidelines are now being enforced at elephant camps.The Minister further directed that tourists should not feed elephants items such as bananas, jaggery, or sugarcane, and should avoid going close to the animals under any circumstances.
