Forest Drone Intrusion: A Cautionary Tale from Coonoor

A 24-year-old from Hyderabad was detained in Coonoor for flying a drone in a restricted forest zone. Shiva Praveen's actions led to a Rs 10,000 fine due to the prohibition of drones to protect wildlife. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of unauthorized tourist intrusions into reserve forests.

A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad was apprehended for unlawfully operating a drone in the prohibited forest area of Coonoor, Nilgiris district, according to official reports.

The individual, identified as Shiva Praveen, was caught manipulating the drone within the confines of the Government Reserve Forest at around 5:30 PM, leading to the imposition of a fine amounting to Rs 10,000 under the directive of a district forest officer.

Authorities underline the stringent ban on drone activities within forested areas to prevent disruptions to wildlife, exacerbated by tourists entering without authorization to capture images of the fauna. Custody has been attained and investigations are underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)