Tamil Nadu team flies drone inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, captures Mullaperiyar canal visuals; controversy erupts

IDUKKI: A controversy has erupted after a team from Tamil Nadu flew a drone without permission inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a highly sensitive security zone, and captured visuals of the Mullaperiyar canal and the surrounding forest area. The drone was operated without prior permission from the Kerala Forest Department or the police. The incident took place on the day the shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam were opened.

The visuals were later shared on Instagram by the Periyakulam MLA. The video has drawn widespread criticism after it surfaced online.

The use of drones is strictly prohibited inside the ecologically sensitive Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Kerala Forest Department is likely to initiate legal action against the Tamil Nadu team for violating security and environmental regulations.