Farmers to get 'free safari' at Bandipur forest

Bengaluru: In a bid to prevent instances of possible man-made fires during summer this year, the forest department is mulling offering free safaris for farmers and their family members, living on the periphery of the forests, once a week, into Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Conflicts arising between forest department officials and farmers due to wild animal attacks often resulted in few miscreants setting fire to the forest. Hence the department is mulling to develop a bond between farmers and officials. Towards this end, it has planned to introduce a free safari on Mondays.

Any farmer, possessing an identity card issued by the Panchayat Development Officer, or Department of Agriculture, will be allowed to take free safari into the forest.