Influencer Fined for Unauthorized Drone Use in Tiger Reserve

A social media influencer named Arbaaz Ansari has been fined Rs 1 lakh for the illegal use of a drone to film inside the restricted Mala range of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. The incident came to light after footage began circulating on social media, according to the forest department.

Deputy Director of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Manish Singh, revealed that the department has seized Ansari's drone. The fine was imposed under the Wildlife Protection Act, which regulates all human activities within the reserve's boundaries. Singh stressed that filming without proper authorization disturbs tigers and poses a threat to the ecosystem.

Officials confirmed that prior approval is compulsory for any entry or filming in the tiger reserve. The action against Ansari aims to serve as a deterrent against similar violations. Such behavior risks causing harm to wildlife for the sake of social media fame, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies.)