Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre sought a report on a cricket match which was held inside the core area of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and came to light on Thursday, November 20.
The match was played near Nanchi safari point and a video and photographs were shared on social media. There were also claims that the latest images, when compared with satellite images from 2011, indicated that there was deforestation in the area. Hence, the minister expressed concern over the issue and sought a report from officials within a week.
Mr. Khandre said 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.
When contacted, senior forest department officials in Nagarhole said those playing cricket were tribals from the local haadis or hamlets and continue to live within the tiger reserve. There are 64 hamlets inside Nagarhole and tribals who live inside the forest use the area for playing games, the official added.
Published – November 20, 2025 08:24 pm IST
