Chamarajanagara: A video of youth engaged in consuming liquor at Hirikere on the foothills of Gopalaswamy Hill, which falls under the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the restricted area of Bandipura Tiger Reserve in Gundlupete Taluk of the District, now going viral on social media.
As Hirikere falls under the wildlife sanctuary, entry of public is restricted. But on the pretext of watching the lake, youth sat at the place and drank alcohol. Public access is restricted as Hirikere is a micro-ecological area under Gopalaswamy Betta zone. Forest guards do not allow locals and tourists from other places to visit the lake. But a question of who gave permission to have fun at the restricted zone has arisen.
Except for the vehicles of forest Officials of Bandipura Sanctuary, no other vehicles including bikes and cars of private individuals are allowed to move in the Hirikere eco-sensitive zone. But due to the benevolence of the authorities, it has been alleged that some people are camping with their vehicles and engaging in masti.
Villagers alleged that the Forest Officers are allowing people inside the ESZ.
