Home / Environment / Agumbe Wildlife Probe Stalls Amid Exploitation Claims
Agumbe Wildlife Probe Stalls Amid Exploitation Claims
1 Sep
Summary
- Inquiry files for alleged wildlife exploitation remain pending for a year.
- Activists cite illegal land deals and uncertified private snake rescues.
- Forest department records on captured snakes are reportedly missing.
Environmental activists have urgently appealed to Karnataka's new forest minister, Ramalinga Reddy, to intervene in stalled investigations concerning alleged wildlife exploitation and land encroachments in Agumbe. These issues stem from complaints detailing violations within the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary eco-sensitive zone.
A year has passed since a directive for a high-level probe into the region's king cobra research facilities, yet no legal action or FIRs have been registered against the accused. Activists express concern over the forest department's lack of records for captured snakes and perceived defense of those implicated.
Key concerns include illegal land acquisition, unauthorized commercial activities, and snake rescues that allegedly violate wildlife protection laws. Despite a directive for mandatory training, frontline staff often lack the expertise for timely snake rescues, leading to reliance on uncertified private individuals. This has resulted in unregulated rescues and social media engagement without proper logging of snake captures or release locations.
Activists are urging the minister to review pending files, enforce strict legal measures against unauthorized practices, and implement comprehensive training for departmental staff to ensure public and wildlife safety.
