Drone Invasion: Unpermitted Flights Intrude on Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

A man is under investigation for allegedly violating forest regulations by operating a drone within the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, officials announced Sunday.

Manish Singh, deputy director of the reserve, confirmed that a video depicting the incident is currently under review.

"The deployment of drones in protected areas is strictly forbidden due to the dangers they pose to wildlife and the disturbance of natural activity," stated Singh, who emphasized the necessity for strict punitive measures against the offender, identified as Arbaaz Ansari. Ansari, linked to an Instagram page named 'Pilibhit Zone,' reportedly flew the drone without authorization in the reserve's sensitive Mala zone, an area plagued with past wildlife disturbances and poaching activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)