Bengaluru and its surrounding districts are witnessing a steady surge in human-wildlife conflicts, with forest officials linking the trend to increasing encroachment and development inside protected areas. Data from the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) shows more than 10,000 incidents reported in the Bengaluru Circle this year alone, including 10 cases of human deaths or permanent disabilities. Compensation payouts have reached nearly ₹7.5 crore.
Also read: Karnataka sees 183% surge in human-wildlife conflicts over five years
The previous year saw 8,686 cases in the region, while 2022-23 registered just over 8,000, indicating a consistent year-on-year rise. Reported cases range from crop destruction and livestock loss to human fatalities, injuries, and property damage.
Wildlife specialists say the crisis is being fuelled by expanding residential projects and infrastructure near forest boundaries. Areas such as Bengaluru Rural have witnessed rapid growth of housing colonies close to national parks and reserves, raising the risk of fatal encounters.
The Bengaluru Circle, which spans Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, and Bengaluru Urban, has also seen 29 fresh encroachment cases this year, 11 of them in the Urban and Rural divisions.
Karnataka has logged 39,384 conflict cases so far in 2024-25
Statewide, Karnataka has logged 39,384 conflict cases so far in 2024-25, with 54 fatalities or permanent disability incidents and nearly ₹47 crore in compensation. This follows a rising long-term trend, from 19,120 cases in 2018-19 to over 46,000 in 2023-24.
Officials warn that without faster eviction of encroachments and better management of forest buffer zones, the risks to both wildlife and human communities will continue to escalate.