Kodagu: The Karnataka government has imposed strict restrictions on visitor movement around captive elephants following the death of a tourist at the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu district. The decision includes a ban on tourists approaching elephants closely at all such camps across the state and the introduction of stronger safety measures.

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has directed officials to ensure that visitors are permitted to watch elephant bathing activities only from a minimum distance of 100 feet at all captive elephant camps in Karnataka.

He has also ordered the preparation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for elephant camps to reinforce safety protocols for tourists.

Activities now prohibited for tourists

Under the updated safety guidelines, visitors will no longer be allowed to engage in close-contact activities with captive elephants. These restrictions include approaching elephants at close range, taking selfies or photographs while standing near them, physically touching elephant trunks, participating in bathing sessions, and feeding them items such as bananas, jaggery or sugarcane.

The minister has instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief Wildlife Warden to ensure strict implementation of the new safety measures across all relevant sites.

Action follows tourist death at Dubare elephant camp

The measures come in the aftermath of the death of a 33-year-old tourist from Chennai at the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu district.

The tourist, identified as Jyunesh, was observing elephants being bathed when the incident occurred.

According to details, during the bathing session, an elephant named Kanchan reportedly attacked another elephant, Marthanda. Despite efforts by the mahout to control the animals, the situation escalated.

As the confrontation continued, one of the elephants lost balance and fell on the woman. In an attempt to get back up, elephant Marthanda further trampled Jyunesh, leading to her death.

Minister Khandre expressed grief over the incident.

Safety concerns at captive elephant camps

The minister stated that although captive elephants are trained, their behaviour cannot always be predicted, making strict safety protocols essential for visitors.

He further noted that the state government had already developed safety SOPs for trekking routes under eco-tourism activities. Trekking operations have been temporarily suspended until proper implementation of these guidelines is ensured