With the State government announcing ₹20 lakh compensation for the family of the tourist killed in the Dubare Elephant Camp tragedy, Kodagu district in-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju on Tuesday directed officials to enforce strict safety protocols at elephant camps and ensure that such incidents do not recur.

The directive came a day after a woman tourist from Tamil Nadu died after being caught in a clash between captive elephants Kanjan and Marthanda during a bathing session at the Dubare camp near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district.

Expressing grief over the incident, Mr. Boseraju, in a statement, said he had held discussions with senior officials of the district administration, Forest Department and Police Department and obtained preliminary details regarding the mishap.

He said the officials had been asked to submit a comprehensive report on the exact cause of the incident and examine whether there were lapses in tourist management and implementation of safety guidelines at the camp.

Calling for tighter visitor regulations at elephant camps, the Minister directed authorities to strictly implement guidelines for the safety of tourists. “Officials and staff must ensure mandatory compliance with these guidelines, while the district administration should put in place adequate precautionary measures,” he said.

Mr. Boseraju appealed to tourists visiting forest areas and elephant camps to exercise caution, noting that the behaviour of wild animals cannot be predicted with certainty. He urged visitors to follow the Forest Department instructions and maintain a safe distance while watching animals.