New police post at MM Hills aims to curb poaching surge
Letter to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on June 6 asks nod to open a police check post at junction of Palar and Gopinatham
forest encroachment
The proposed check-post will enable effective monitoring of both routes, enhancing efficiency in curbing unlawful activities
– Chamarajanagar SP Dr Kavitha
The Karnataka Police have once again proposed the establishment of a dedicated police check-post at the Gopinatham-Palar junction, an ecologically sensitive area straddling forest and human settlements. This comes after the deaths of a tiger and four cubs in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) Wildlife Division.Preliminary investigations suggest the animals may have been deliberately poisoned, allegedly by locals or poachers, raising alarm among wildlife officials and conservationists. Forest officials recovered the carcasses earlier this month, and toxicology reports are awaited to confirm the precise cause of death.The deaths have thrown a spotlight on long-standing vulnerabilities in the region's forest protection mechanisms. In response to what officials are calling a glaring enforcement lapse, the Karnataka Police have proposed setting up a new 15x15 feet police check-post at the Gopinatham-Palar junction. While a Forest Department check-post currently exists in the vicinity, the lack of a dedicated police presence has reportedly hampered joint enforcement efforts and rapid response to poaching threats.The proposed unit will come under the jurisdiction of the Malai Mahadeshwara Betta Police Station and is aimed at bolstering coordination between police and forest personnel. Officials said the objective is to improve 24/7 monitoring of vehicle movement, enforce entry protocols into forest zones, and strengthen overall vigilance in poaching-prone stretches that share borders with Tamil Nadu. Wildlife conservationists have welcomed the move but cautioned that it must not become a token gesture.They pointed out that while the new post could improve deterrence, recent incidents reflect deeper flaws in intelligence gathering, patrolling, and inter-agency communication.A senior police official said the mere presence of uniformed personnel can have a significant impact in sensitive zones. 'Systematic checking of vehicles, increased visibility, and continuous patrolling can all help dissuade unlawful activity,' the official said.However, several experts have underlined that one additional check-post may not be enough to address the multifaceted risks facing MM Hills. The region is not only a critical wildlife corridor but also vulnerable to illegal trade in wildlife parts,, and even intermittent Naxal activity. According to them, a minimum of three strategically located check-posts is needed for effective surveillance.Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police Dr Kavitha confirmed that the current check-post is situated on the Palar Road connecting to Tamil Nadu, while the Gopinatham route from Karnataka remains unchecked. 'The proposed check-post will enable us to monitor both entry points effectively. It will enhance our ability to detect forest offences and intercept illegal movements,' she told BM. 'We are already working in the region, and this addition will boost our efficiency.'Conservationists insist that the success of the check-post will depend on consistent staffing, robust coordination, and strict protocols ensuring it doesn't devolve into just another roadblock.
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