Dubare Tragedy: Upalokayukta Seeks Report on Visitor Safety Lapses

Scene from the Dubare elephant camp tragedy in Kodagu district where a tourist lost her life following a clash between elephants. File photo

Madikeri: The Karnataka Upalokayukta has taken suo motu cognisance of the recent tragedy at the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu district and sought detailed reports from Forest Department officials regarding visitor safety measures at elephant camps across the State.

In an order dated May 21, Justice Phaneendra directed two Forest Department officials — Gopal A.A., Assistant Conservator of Forests, Somwarpet sub-division, Kodagu, and Rakshit, Range Forest Officer, Kushalnagar Territorial Range — to appear in person before the Upalokayukta within four weeks of receiving the notice.

The officials, named as respondents in the complaint, have also been asked to submit detailed reports outlining the safety measures initiated following the accident.

The incident had claimed the life of a tourist woman after a clash between elephants at the popular Dubare camp. One of the elephants involved in the incident, Marthanda, later died after succumbing to severe injuries sustained during the fight.

Following the tragedy, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre instructed officials to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) focusing on visitor safety at elephant camps. He also directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden to strengthen safety protocols across camps in Karnataka.

Authorities have now imposed stricter restrictions for tourists visiting elephant camps. Visitors will not be allowed near elephants and must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet while observing elephant bathing activities. Tourists have also been barred from directly feeding elephants with bananas, jaggery, sugarcane or other food items.

The Forest Department has temporarily shut the Dubare elephant camp until revised safety protocols are finalised. A few other elephant camps in Karnataka have also reportedly been closed pending implementation of SOPs.

Kodagu district in-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju has directed officials to enforce stricter safety norms and submit a comprehensive report examining the exact cause of the accident, including whether there were lapses in tourist management and implementation of safety guidelines.

Officials have meanwhile advised tourists visiting forest areas, elephant camps and eco-tourism destinations to strictly follow Forest Department instructions, maintain safe distances from wildlife and exercise caution, noting that animal behaviour can often be unpredictable.

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