Karnataka Minister warns of environmental risks from off-road events

Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B Khandre has issued warnings against environmental damage caused by off-road vehicle events. In a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat, Chikkamagaluru, the Minister directed officials to strictly enforce regulations to protect natural resources.

Khandre highlighted that off-road activities, particularly those involving vehicles with modified tires, can damage fragile hill slopes and rural roads. He noted that such events may disrupt rainwater flow, hindering groundwater recharge in lakes, tanks, and rivers, while also contributing to air and heat pollution and harming wildlife.

The directives come ahead of several scheduled adventure and off-road events in Nelamangala and Kuduremukh. The Minister explicitly prohibited vehicles from entering water bodies, such as streams, lakes, and canals, and warned that legal action will be taken against those found polluting water sources or damaging public infrastructure.