Mangaluru: Environmental enthusiasts have voiced strong opposition to the proposal of opening new trek routes in the Kudremukh wildlife area leading to Elaneeru Falls, Sooji Gudda, and Bangara Palke. Public access to these areas has been restricted for years due to their status as part of the Western Ghats’ Biodiversity hotspot and an important Elephant Corridor. Members of various organizations have expressed concerns that an influx of tourists and trekkers will disrupt the natural balance.
In an email to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), the Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, the Conservator of Forests of the Mangaluru Circle, and the DCF of Kudremukh Wildlife Division, members of Sahyadri Sanchaya and Hasira Tapassu highlighted the negative impacts of such a proposal. They noted that farmers and residents on the western side of the Western Ghats are already experiencing losses due to elephants straying into farmland, a situation worsened by unscientific development and irrigation projects disturbing the elephant corridor.
The environmentalists questioned who would be responsible for the garbage, particularly plastic and broken glass bottles, left behind by visitors. They stressed that such litter could injure wildlife. They also raised concerns about illegal homestays within a 1-km radius of the wildlife boundary, converting homes into homestays to earn additional income.
The Karnataka Forest Department had previously halted a similar proposal last year after appeals from Hasira Tapassu, Mundaje, and Sahyadri Sanchaya. The members urged the department to avoid opening new peaks to the public, warning of the potential for ecological disaster. Pavan P Kakathkar of Hasira Tapassu emphasized the potential negative impact on the region, and environmental enthusiast Avinash Shishila pointed out that Nethravati peak already receives over 300 visitors per day.
DCF Shivaram Babu stated that a feasibility study is being conducted to explore the possibility of opening a trekking route at Bangara Palke. He assured that any approach would be regulated, as trekking to Kudremukh and Nethravathi was only permitted after studying their carrying capacity, with bookings made online.
