Now Reading: Karnataka minister warns off-roaders over Kudremukh damage
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Karnataka minister warns off-roaders over Kudremukh damage
Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre has warned organisers of an off-road event in Chikkamagaluru's Kudremukh region that damaging village roads or polluting water sources will invite strict legal action. The event, promoted…
The Story in Brief
Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre has warned organisers of an off-road event in Chikkamagaluru's Kudremukh region that damaging village roads or polluting water sources will invite strict legal action. The event, promoted by a Bengaluru-based adventure group, is scheduled for August 15 and 16, and reportedly involves river crossings and steep slopes.
Khandre directed the Chikkamagaluru Zilla Panchayat to stop adventure vehicles from entering rivers or streams used for drinking water and to prevent damage to rural roads. He cited the constitutional duty to protect forests, rivers, and wildlife. The forest department had earlier seized over 40 vehicles in similar off-roading events in Sakaleshpura.
The Indian Opinion
This warning is welcome, but it raises a familiar question: will the government actually enforce the law after the event, or is this just a press-note? Some argue off-roading is harmless fun, ignoring that monsoon rains make forest soil fragile and streams are drinking-water sources. Others call for a blanket ban, forgetting that regulated tourism can coexist with conservation. The real test is whether authorities file cases if roads are damaged or water polluted this time.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
