The Forest Department in Kodagu has cracked down on rising commercial mass trekking and illegal tourism activities in sensitive forest areas surrounding Nelji and Peruru villages near Napoklu. Following the viral spread of social media videos showing large trekking groups navigating hidden waterfalls and areas where Neelakurinji flowers are in bloom, local residents and conservationists raised serious environmental concerns. The forest department clarified that while these trekking routes often start on private estate property, they cross into reserve forest corridors without official permission. Authorities cautioned that entering reserve forests beyond private land boundaries constitutes a punishable offense under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. In addition to trekking, the department has strictly prohibited drone flights, plucking of native flora, and trampling of sensitive shola-grassland ecosystems. Uncontrolled human activity in these elephant-frequented zones poses severe human-wildlife conflict risks. Organisers of unauthorised tours have been warned that they will face civil and criminal liability for any untoward incidents or environmental damage.
