On May 10, a 10-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being attacked by a leopard at the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district. In response to this incident, the Karnataka government has mandated an immediate halt to trekking activities and public access in wildlife-sensitive forest areas throughout the state. The attack occurred while young Harishith, a native of Bengaluru, was walking with his family to the Nagamale hill shrine.
Also Read: Karnataka Halts Safaris and Trekking After Three Fatal Tiger Attacks: A Data-Backed Analysis
This is not an isolated tragedy; a similar attack in January 2026 resulted in the death of another pilgrim at the same location, raising significant alarm among locals and environmental advocates. Criticism has been directed towards the forest department and the MM Swamy Kshetra Development Authority for allegedly failing to implement adequate safety measures along popular pilgrimage routes.
Karnataka Suspends Forest Treks: Here’s What Travelers Should Know
In response to recent incidents, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has convened an urgent meeting with senior officials, leading to the suspension of all trekking activities in regions with known wildlife presence, particularly those inhabited by leopards, tigers, elephants, and bears.
To prioritize public safety, the Minister has specified that pilgrim access will be limited to the Shivaratri and Ugadi festivals. Additionally, the standard 14-kilometer trek to Nagamale will now be reduced to three kilometers, and guide services will be mandated to carry walkie-talkies for better communication.
Travelers visiting Nagamale will be required to use jeeps for transport, and efforts will be made to clear vegetation along the trails to enhance visibility and facilitate wildlife spotting. These updated regulations are designed to safeguard both visitors and the local wildlife.
Also Read: No Guide, No Trek: Karnataka Tightens Rules On Forest Trails With Mandatory Guides
Summing Up
A tragic leopard attack claiming the life of a 10-year-old has led Karnataka authorities to suspend trekking in wildlife-sensitive areas. Restrictions include limiting pilgrim access, reducing trek distances, and mandating guide services with communication tools, all aimed at enhancing safety for visitors and wildlife.
