Now Reading: Karnataka minister warns strict action against off-roading
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Karnataka minister warns strict action against off-roading
Karnataka's Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre has warned organisers of an off-road event in Kudremukh on August 15 and 16 that any damage to village roads or pollution of water sources will…
The Story in Brief
Karnataka's Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre has warned organisers of an off-road event in Kudremukh on August 15 and 16 that any damage to village roads or pollution of water sources will invite strict legal action. The event, promoted by a Bengaluru-based adventure group, reportedly involves river crossings and driving on steep slopes. Separately, environmentalists have urged authorities to stop two off-roading rallies: one at Kudremukh and another at Alageshwara in Koppa taluk, which falls in a tiger corridor connecting Bhadra Tiger Reserve and Kudremukh National Park. They allege the Alageshwara event, titled Moto Mania and organised by Bhadra Sports Club, lacks mandatory permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
The Indian Opinion
The thrill of off-roading is pitted against ecological protection, but this is not a case of development versus environment. The Kudremukh region is a fragile Western Ghats ecosystem, and the law, including Article 51A(g), is unambiguous about citizens' duty to protect it. Minister Khandre's directive is a sensible line in the mud. The real test will come when organisers seek forest clearance for the Alageshwara event in the tiger corridor. Will they get it, or will authorities enforce the Wildlife Protection Act?
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, deccanherald.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
