Bengaluru, May 12 -- In the wake of a boy's death in a leopard attack at Nagamale, Karnataka Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre directed that foot trekking to Mahadeshwara Hills be permitted only during Shivaratri and Ugadi fairs.

Chairing a virtual meeting with senior officials and Chamarajanagar forest officers at Vikas Soudha on Tuesday, Khandre said devotees should not be allowed to trek the 14-km stretch to Nagamale. Instead, only a 3-km stretch will be permitted, with guides equipped with walkie-talkies and necessary safety equipment.

He instructed that travel from the ticket counter to Nagamale be made mandatory by jeep. Along the remaining 3-km forest path, bushes should be cleared on both sides to crea...