MYSURU: At a time when the state government has suspended safari services in Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger reserve amid man-animal conflict, concerns have been raised over boat services and boat safaris by resorts in the Kabini backwaters without mandatory permissions.
According to wildlife conservation norms and tourism regulations, any tourism activity in ecosensitive zones, particularly in forest buffer areas and backwaters adjoining protected forests, requires clearance from the taluk or district administration, besides that of the forest department and in certain cases, the National Board for Wildlife. However, sources allege that some private resorts in the Kabini region are offering boat rides and so-called boat safaris to tourists, bypassing these statutory approvals.
Environmentalists warn that unregulated boat movement, even if marketed as low-noise or eco-friendly, can disturb wildlife behaviour, affect breeding patterns and damage fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Kabini Dam assistant executive engineer (AEE) Ganesh said, “The issue has been brought to my notice and I have already written to the police department to check on this.” While the resorts may have obtained permissions from the Inland Water Transport Department, “we have not given any permission”, he said.