Activist Flags Illegal Tourism in Kali Tiger Reserve

A Koppal resident has issued a legal notice to the Union Environment Ministry, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Karnataka’s principal secretary, and the Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) field director, alleging unauthorized tourism at Blue Waterfalls in Anshi Wildlife Range. The notice, under Section 55(c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, aims to file a complaint in court if no action is taken within 60 days. This provision enables citizens to address overlooked wildlife violations by government authorities.

The complainant claims that despite the Blue Waterfalls not being listed as an ecotourism site in the approved 2014-2024 Tiger Conservation Plan for the Dandeli-Anshi Reserve, the Karnataka Forest Department promoted it in a 2022 social media video. Viral videos showed crowds visiting the site, signboards erected along Anshi-Kadra road, and entry fees being collected, raising suspicions about planned promotion by reserve authorities. Although objections led to the video being removed, no further action was taken.

The NTCA has asked Karnataka’s Chief Wildlife Warden to investigate accusations that Kali Reserve officials erased evidence of tourism activities in critical tiger habitats. Activists argue such promotions violate multiple conservation laws, including Section 38 O(c) of the WLPA, 1972, which prohibits opening new tourism areas in core habitats.

The notice demands strict action against errant officials, emphasizing that wildlife laws apply equally to the public and authorities. The lack of NTCA inspections has also drawn criticism for negligence.

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