Illegal Trekking in Karnataka's Western Ghats Sparks Environmental Concerns

Illegal trekking has been reported in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches across Karnataka. Local communities and conservation groups have expressed concern that the sudden influx of visitors to hidden spots is threatening fragile ecosystems. Authorities have begun monitoring trails and imposing stricter enforcement to curb unauthorized trekking. The tourism sector is urged to adopt sustainable practices to protect the region’s biodiversity.