Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre has announced punitive measures against individuals who capture selfies or photographs with wildlife whilst traversing forest routes. The directive came after a viral video showed tourists photographing themselves with an elephant at Charmadi Ghat in Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district.
*Official Directives*
The minister has directed forest authorities to note vehicle registration details and initiate legal proceedings against individuals who exit their vehicles to photograph or take selfies with wildlife on forest paths, as this constitutes a violation of regulations.
*Safety Warning*
Minister Khandre has urged citizens to avoid endangering themselves by attempting to photograph or take selfies with wild animals. He highlighted that whilst the state government and forest department are actively addressing human-wildlife conflict, the public must refrain from actions that could result in dangerous incidents.
