Bengaluru, Jan. 3 -- Karnataka Wildlife Board favours gradual reopening; expert panel constituted

Nearly two months after imposing a ban on wildlife safaris in Karnataka's tiger reserves, Karnataka's State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) yesterday recommended a gradual reopening of safari operations in Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves.

The Board also decided to constitute an Expert Committee to study the carrying capacity of safari vehicles in both reserves before fully restoring operations.

At the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, several SBWL members flagged the economic fallout of the suspension, particularly on local communities dependent on tourism.

Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre drew the Chief Minister's attenti...