Safety Concerns Rise Over Irresponsible Activities at Kattanji Hills; Residents Seek Intensified Patrols

Coimbatore: Concerns over public safety and the impact on the forest ecosystem have emerged following reports of youngsters allegedly entering the Kattanji Hills trail, consuming alcohol in the open and leaving behind plastic waste and liquor bottles.

The hill trail, located along the Periyanaickenpalayam–Karamadai police limits, has reportedly become a recreational spot for some youngsters. However, their alleged activities have raised concerns over both their safety and the protection of the surrounding forest environment.

Despite the steep and hazardous terrain, some visitors are reportedly venturing onto exposed sections of the hill to consume alcohol. Locals have also raised concerns over food wrappers, plastic bottles and other waste being discarded along the trail.

Environmental activists have particularly pointed to broken liquor bottles and plastic waste left behind at the site, warning that these could pose a threat to wildlife and adversely affect the fragile forest habitat.

Adding to the concerns, recent visuals purportedly showing an intoxicated youth lying unconscious near a steep and exposed section of the trail have surfaced. Locals said that even a minor loss of balance at such a location could result in a fall down the slope, potentially leading to serious or fatal consequences.

Against this backdrop, residents and social activists have urged the Periyanaickenpalayam and Karamadai police, along with the Forest Department, to intensify surveillance and undertake joint patrols along the Kattanji Hills trail to prevent unauthorised and potentially dangerous activities.

Environmental activists have also appealed to visitors to exercise caution, avoid consuming alcohol in the forest area and refrain from leaving behind waste, stressing the need to protect both human lives and the wildlife habitat.