Shivamogga: Following a report published by TOI on July 10 highlighting environmentalists’ growing concerns over unregulated nocturnal wildlife activities, the forest department has taken steps to protect the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.Officials have erected official warning signboards in strategic locations in Agumbe, including Tallur Malali village, where research centres involved in organising such trails operate.The bilingual warning banners explicitly announce that inside the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding eco-sensitive zone, wildlife-focused attractions including herping, macro photography and night trails are strictly prohibited, cautioning that violators will face rigorous legal prosecution under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
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Apart from nocturnal reptile expeditions, activists have also voiced displeasure over commercial groups intruding into sensitive forest zones under the pretext of monsoon rain walks.Activist Nagaraj Koove condemned these reckless commercial ventures, warning that “unregulated footfall in core habitats during critical breeding seasons inflicts irreversible damage on delicate micro-ecosystems and severely disturbs wildlife”.Officials confirmed that organisers of a recent rain walk event did not even approach the department or seek prior mandatory clearance.Environmentalists emphasised that continuous patrolling and firm enforcement will be crucial to permanently curb unauthorised eco-tourism, herping expeditions and rain walks across the sensitive landscapes of the Western Ghats.
