Geo-tagging of State’s forest locations opens the doors for trespassers

Geo-tagging of State’s forest locations has raised alarms among authorities, as unauthorized markings on digital maps are reportedly drawing crowds into protected areas. A growing number of users have geo-tagged specific points within Kerala's forests, particularly in the Kozhikode district, marking them as tourist spots on platforms like Google Maps. These tags, according to officials, are misleading the public and encouraging unlawful entry into reserves. The issue was brought to light during an investigation into a recent case involving a group of young people who entered the Kuttiady forest range without authorization. Officials noted that several locations within this area had been tagged by individuals, including viewpoints and waterfalls. These markers appear to be attracting more visitors, some of whom may not fully understand the legal boundaries of protected land. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kozhikode, Joshil M, has expressed concerns over the implications of these tags. He stated that the presence of these marks on online platforms is contributing to increased trespassing incidents. In particular, the DFO highlighted that 10 of the tagged locations are located within the Kuttiady forest range, four in Peruvannamuzhy, and nine in Thamarassery, three major forest ranges under the Kozhikode division. Forest officials are also worried about the upload of photos taken inside protected areas. Such images, they argue, might entice others to visit restricted zones, potentially increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife encounters. The DFO warned that if someone enters a forest illegally and is attacked by wildlife, the situation could be misclassified as a human-wildlife conflict, placing undue blame on the animals rather than the trespassers. In response to the issue, the DFO has reached out to the Kerala Forest department’s IT wing for guidance on how to address the problem. He emphasized the need to remove these misleading geo-tags to prevent further unauthorized access. The DFO also mentioned that some individuals have uploaded personal photos or even advertised resorts near these sites, giving the impression that these areas are open for public use. The scale of the problem appears to be widespread. While the current focus is on Kozhikode, the DFO suggested that similar instances might occur elsewhere in Kerala. He stressed that such actions constitute a serious offense and could lead to dangerous situations for both visitors and wildlife. The potential consequences include not only legal repercussions for trespassers but also heightened risks of conflicts between humans and animals. Officials are now considering measures to monitor and manage the spread of these geo-tags. They are exploring ways to collaborate with technology companies and local authorities to ensure that sensitive ecological areas remain protected from misuse. The ongoing efforts aim to safeguard both the environment and the safety of individuals entering these regions.