Thu May 22 14:10:57 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Karnataka’s Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has issued a warning against taking photos and selfies of wildlife from vehicles within the state’s forest areas. This follows a video surfacing showing tourists taking selfies with an elephant in the Charmadi Ghat. Khandre emphasized that exiting vehicles on forest roads is illegal and has instructed officials to identify and prosecute the individuals involved in the elephant selfie incident. He stressed the danger of such actions and the government’s efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Minister Warns Against Wildlife Selfies, Cites Safety Concerns**
**Bengaluru, May 22, 2025** – Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has issued a stern warning to tourists against taking photos and selfies with wildlife while traveling on roads through the state’s forest areas. The warning comes in response to a recent incident where a video surfaced showing tourists taking selfies with an elephant in the Charmadi Ghat region of Dakshina Kannada district.
Minister Khandre emphasized that exiting vehicles within forest areas is a violation of the law. He has instructed officials to track down the vehicle registration number of those involved in the elephant selfie incident and pursue legal action.
“The State government and the Forest Department are working hard to control human-wildlife conflict,” Khandre stated. “There is a risk of disaster when the public takes selfies and photos like this.”
Authorities are concerned that such behavior not only endangers the public but also disrupts the natural habitat and behavior of wildlife. The minister’s statement signals a renewed commitment to enforcing existing regulations and protecting both humans and animals within Karnataka’s forest ecosystems.
First Piper 