The Hindu reported that a cricket match took place right inside the core area of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka, India, causing quite a stir. The incident came to light on Thursday after videos and photos of the game, played near the Nanchi safari point, began circulating on social media. Adding to the worry, some are claiming that comparing current images with satellite photos from 2011 suggests that trees may have been cleared in the area.
Eshwar B. Khandre, the Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, has taken serious note of the issue and asked officials at the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve to submit a report within a week. Highlighting the risks, he said that "such developments at a time when human-animal conflicts are on the rise are concerning." He also "wondered how permission could have been issued for the cricket match."
However, senior Nagarhole Tiger Reserve forest department officials provided a different perspective. They explained that the players were "tribals from the local haadis or hamlets and continue to live within the tiger reserve." An official further stated that "tribals who live inside the forest use the area for playing games."
