In the wake of the death of a 10-year-old boy in a leopard attack in the Nagamale forests, near M.M. Hills, in Chamarajanagar district on May 10, Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed the temporary suspension of all trekking trails and public movement in areas frequented by wildlife.

Keeping the safety of the public and trekkers in mind, the Minister has ordered the closure of all routes where there is movement of leopards, tigers, elephants, bears, and other wild animals, in addition to places where human-wildlife conflicts have occurred.

An official circular has been issued in this regard by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Sticking to SOP

Mr. Khandre said that trekking activities should be conducted in a safe and responsible manner. He added that there should be strict compliance with the recently released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for trekking trails in the State.

He warned that if adequate preparations are not made to implement the SOPs, activities on such trekking routes will be suspended.

Ten-year-old Harshith, a native of Bengaluru, was killed in the leopard attack on May 10. The leopard is believed to have suddenly attacked the boy and dragged him away.

Walking restrictions

Mr. Khandre has also directed that pilgrims be allowed to walk to M.M. Hills only during the Shivaratri and Ugadi festivals.

The Minister, who held a meeting with senior officials and forest officers from Chamarajanagar district, instructed that pilgrims should not be allowed to walk the full 14 km to Nagamale. Instead, permission should be limited to only three km, guide services should be equipped with walkie-talkies, and necessary safety equipment should be provided, he ordered.

‘Use jeeps’

Mr. Khandre said that devotees travelling to Nagamale from the ticket counter area should compulsorily use jeeps.

He also directed officials to clear vegetation on both sides of the path so that wild animals can be spotted by pilgrims.