Fri Jan 23 14:00:27 UTC 2026: # Forest Minister Orders Surveillance After Leopard Attack at Male Mahadeshwara Hills
The Story: Following the tragic death of a pilgrim, Praveen, from Cheeranahalli village in a leopard attack near Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has mandated increased surveillance along pilgrim routes. The directive, issued on January 23, 2026, aims to protect devotees undertaking padayatras (foot pilgrimages) to the hill shrine during Shivaratri, Ugadi, and Deepavali. The Minister instructed forest authorities to deploy drone cameras and form joint teams of forest staff, home guards, and local personnel to assist pilgrims.
Key Points:
- January 23, 2026: Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre directs increased surveillance following a fatal leopard attack.
- Praveen, a pilgrim from Cheeranahalli village in Mandya district, was killed in the leopard attack.
- Drone camera surveillance is to be implemented along padayatra routes and stairways.
- Joint teams comprising forest staff, home guards, and local personnel will assist pilgrims.
- The Minister requested the Male Mahadeshwaraswamy Hills Development Authority and the district administration to fund the initiative.
- Devotees from multiple districts traverse forest routes to reach the temple.
- Minister cautioned against overnight stays at forest fringes.
- A proposal has been sent to the Chief Secretary to persuade devotees to use buses or cars for travel to the shrine.
Key Takeaways:
- Wildlife-human conflict is escalating due to increased wildlife populations and continued religious practices involving travel through forested areas.
- The government is attempting to balance religious sentiments with public safety concerns.
- The proposed solutions include a combination of increased surveillance, enhanced support for pilgrims, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation.
First Piper 