Forest Department starts collating all illegally geo-tagged locations in Kerala forests

The Kerala Forest Department is taking measures to address the issue of illegally geo-tagged locations within the state's forests. The department's IT wing is compiling a list of these sensitive locations, which will subsequently be reported to online map agencies for the removal of these locations from the maps. In addition, the department aims to identify the individuals responsible for uploading these geo-tagged locations within reserve and protected forest areas, with the intention of pursuing legal action against them.

Geo-tagging these sensitive locations on web mapping and navigation platforms has resulted in unlawful access to reserve forests, according to a Forest official. The official explained that trekking trails used by forest staff inside protected forest patches in Silent Valley, for instance, have been made available on online maps, posing a risk to both human and wildlife.

The official emphasized that strict action will be taken against those involved, stating that forests are not places where individuals can randomly picnic, as they are the homes of wild animals that require respect. Earlier, Kozhikode Divisional Forest Officer M. Joshil had requested the removal of Google Maps listings inside reserve forests in the district, citing unauthorised map pins and encouraging illegal entry into protected areas.

Following this, the forest department began monitoring all such locations in Kerala forests. The official warned that such activities pose risks to everyone, as they have recently dealt with numerous cases of illegal forest entry, leading to rescue operations when individuals get trapped.