In a surprising twist to the Bandipur National Park drone controversy, investigations have revealed that the vehicle photographed with an unauthorized drone actually belongs to the Karnataka Forest Department, not to a private individual as initially suspected.
The Incident That Sparked Concerns
The controversy erupted when a vehicle was spotted with a drone inside the protected Bandipur Tiger Reserve during safari hours. Initial reports had mistakenly identified the vehicle as belonging to a private company director, raising serious questions about security protocols in the sensitive wildlife zone.
Official Vehicle, Unofficial Equipment
However, thorough verification by authorities confirmed that the vehicle in question was officially assigned to forest department personnel. While the vehicle's ownership has been clarified, the presence of the drone remains a violation of park regulations that strictly prohibit such devices within the reserve boundaries.
"The vehicle definitely belongs to the forest department," confirmed officials familiar with the investigation. "However, carrying drones into the national park is prohibited regardless of who operates them."
Why Drones Are Banned in Bandipur
Bandipur National Park, like many protected wildlife areas, maintains a strict no-drone policy for several critical reasons:
- Drones can cause significant stress and disturbance to wildlife, particularly sensitive species
- The noise and presence can alter natural animal behavior patterns
- They pose potential safety risks to both animals and visitors
- Unauthorized photography could aid poaching activities
Department Takes Action
Forest department authorities have initiated appropriate action against their own staff members involved in the incident. This internal accountability demonstrates the department's commitment to enforcing rules equally, regardless of whether violations come from within or outside the organization.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing modern technology with wildlife conservation needs, even among those tasked with protecting these precious natural resources.
