BENGALURU, March 13 -- Karnataka's forest and environment minister, Eshwar Khandre, on Thursday defended the government's decision to temporarily halt wildlife safari operations in Bandipur and Nagarahole national parks last November, saying the measure was necessary to prevent further loss of human life following a series of wildlife attacks.

The suspension, which lasted from November 7 to February 21, led to an estimated revenue loss of about Rs.6 crore for the two prominent wildlife reserves, according to information presented in the assembly. Bandipur Tiger Reserve accounted for roughly Rs.2.5 crore of the loss, while Nagarhole Tiger Reserve saw an estimated Rs.3.5 crore decline in earnings during the period.

The issue was raised du...