A massive surge in forest offences has been recorded in the Chamarajanagar forest circle, with M.M. Hills Wildlife Division emerging as the hotspot for illegal activities.
- Total of 3,289 forest offence cases registered between 2010-11 and August 2026.
- M.M. Hills Wildlife Division recorded the highest number of cases (2,256).
- The data includes 777 Wildlife Offence Reports (WLOR) and 370 poaching cases.
The Chamarajanagar forest circle, a critical ecological corridor in Karnataka, is grappling with a significant rise in illegal activities. According to recent official data, a total of 3,289 forest offence cases have been registered from the 2010-11 period through August 19, 2026. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing struggle between forest conservation authorities and illegal encroachers and poachers.
The intensity of this conflict was underscored by a recent violent encounter. In the early hours of August 15, three suspected poachers—identified as Antony Swamy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar—were killed in an exchange of fire with forest personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary within the Hanur taluk. Another suspect, Mahimadan, managed to evade capture but was later located at a private hospital in Mysuru.
Breakdown of Offence Statistics
The distribution of crimes across various divisions reveals a worrying pattern. The Male Mahadeshwara Hills (M.M. Hills) Wildlife Division stands out as the most volatile area, accounting for 2,256 cases. This is followed by the BRT Tiger Reserve with 793 cases and the Cauvery Wildlife Division with 240 cases.
| Wildlife Division | Total Cases | WLOR Cases | Poaching Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.M. Hills | 2,256 | 296 | 166 |
| BRT Tiger Reserve | 793 | 280 | 107 |
| Cauvery Wildlife Division | 240 | 202 | 97 |
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the Chamarajanagar forest circle is a complex mosaic of ecosystems, ranging from dry deciduous forests to the rare shola forests in the higher reaches of the BRT Tiger Reserve. The high frequency of Wildlife Offence Reports (WLOR) and poaching incidents suggests that these high-biodiversity zones are being systematically targeted by organized criminal elements, threatening the regional ecological balance.
The escalation in forest offences necessitates a shift from reactive policing to proactive, technology-driven surveillance in high-risk buffer zones.
At the granular level, the Kollegal Buffer Zone has recorded the highest number of cases at 979, followed by the Hanur Buffer Zone (657). Specifically regarding poaching, the Cowdahalli Wildlife Range has seen the highest intensity with 47 cases. These figures indicate that buffer zones, often acting as the interface between human settlements and wildlife, are the primary battlegrounds for conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which division in Chamarajanagar has the most forest crimes?
The M.M. Hills Wildlife Division has recorded the highest number of offences.
2. How many poaching cases were recorded in the period?
A total of 370 poaching cases were registered between 2010-11 and August 2026.
