Forest Department Cracks Down on Illegal Trekking as Neelakurunji Blooms in Kodagu
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Madikeri: The Forest Department has intensified action against unauthorised commercial trekking in Kodagu’s sensitive forest areas, warning travel agents and tour operators against promoting illegal trekking routes.
The warning follows the circulation of social media videos showing trekking activities to mountains, waterfalls and the blooming of Neelakurunji (Strobilanthes spp.) in the Perur village near Napoklu. The department said such posts are being used to promote commercial mass trekking in sensitive areas around Nelji, Perur and neighbouring regions.
The areas are known for their unique flora, including the seasonal Neelakurunji flowers, as well as natural water bodies and fragile shola grassland ecosystems. The department clarified that several of these areas are protected forests and important wildlife habitats frequented by wild elephants.
Officials warned that entering reserve forests beyond private property without permission is a punishable offence under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. They also cautioned against activities that could damage the fragile ecosystem, including trampling vegetation and conducting unauthorised drone operations.
The department particularly highlighted the risks of human-elephant conflict in these forest areas. Trek organisers, travel agents and tour operators promoting such activities will be held directly liable under civil and criminal law for any injuries, loss of life or other untoward incidents.
Violators will also be reported to district authorities for appropriate administrative action, the department said.
Speaking to The Kodagu Express, a local resident from Nelji said, “The main concern is that several hidden and lesser-known places inside the forest are now being explored by tourists. With the Neelakurunji in full bloom, more visitors are arriving in the area. There are also several small waterfalls and natural spots that tourists are accessing illegally. Many of these places are located in sensitive forest areas and are not meant for large-scale tourist activities. Unregulated visits could damage the Neelakurunji plants and other vegetation, disturb wildlife and increase the risk of human-wildlife conflict. We are concerned that if this continues, the fragile natural environment of the area could be seriously affected.”
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Who's bothered if they spoil the eco system or the natural vegetation they are only interested in money, from Yavakapadi to Peroor the whole area is very sensitive as wild animals very frequently cross cross and I clearly see one or two more deaths in the near future and even the tourist are not properly advised and forest department doesn't care, earlier too I had vented my anger about tourists parking on Anechukoor road and having food liquor and smoking that too being a tiger reserve nobody cares , there are forest watchers and other staff to take action but all are busy in their own world, sorry state of affairs. Jai Hind