Forest department to crack whip on motorists disturbing wild animals on Bandipur highway

CHAMARAJANAGAR: The Forest Department has warned of strict action against motorists who get off their vehicles and tease animals on the national highway passing through Bandipur tiger reserve.

Just last week, a motorist was fined Rs 25,000 for taking videos near a wild tusker and risking his own life. However, such incidents continue unabated. Now, the Forest Department is considering strict action against commuters who disturb wild animals or relocating the tusker.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has arrested two men for starting a fire in the Ramapura wildlife sanctuary near Dantalli village in Hanur taluk. The arrested are Shivakumar (35) and Basavanna (32) of Dantalli village.

On receiving information about the forest fire, the staff rushed to the spot and put it out. However, they suspected foulplay and based on specific information, they arrested the duo.