Belagavi: The unchecked use of drones by tourists at Chikhale Waterfall — located within the Kanakumbi forest range of Khanapur taluk and falling under the eco-sensitive zone of the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary — is raising concerns among environmentalists and officials. Despite prohibition under Environmental Protection Act, 1986, drones continue to be operated in the area, allegedly under the watch of forest department personnel.The forest department reopened Chikhale Waterfall to tourists on June 21, allowing entry through tickets. The scenic spot, about 45 km from Belagavi, has recorded a rise in footfall following heavy rainfall that revived several waterfalls in Khanapur. Visitors must undertake a 2-km trek from the designated parking zone to access the site.Recently, the TOI reported the absence of adequate monitoring mechanisms to prevent tourists from taking risky selfies and videos at the waterfall’s edge. This issue at Chikhale Waterfall echoes similar violations reported last year at Vajrapoha Falls, another site within the Bhimgad zone, where the illegal use of drones sparked public outcry.Drones are banned in protected areas like tiger reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and eco-sensitive zones because they pose threats to wildlife, compromise security. The sound and presence of drones are known to distress animals such as tigers, bears and deer, disrupting their natural behaviour, including feeding, mating and resting cycles.Experts also warn that drones can be used to scout forest areas, track animal movement and monitor the activities of forest officials, potentially assisting poachers. In addition to the ecological threat, drone misuse also raises privacy concerns of visitors.Deputy conservator of forests and member secretary of the Bhimgad Eco-Sensitive Zone, Maria Christu Raja D, told TOI, “We check for restricted items, including drones, before permitting entry. However, there are nearby private lands and another entry point through a nearby settlement. People using drone could be entering from those areas.”
