Bengaluru: Days after miscreants reportedly went on a retaliatory rampage, vandalising and blowing up anti-poaching camps (APCs) following the Hanur anti-poaching operation, Karnataka forest department is now counting the cost of the attacks.Preliminary assessment pegged the damage to its frontline infrastructure at over Rs 50 lakh, with several APCs, staff facilities, vehicles and other critical assets deep inside Cauvery and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuaries damaged in the attacks.The scale of destruction has not only left the department staring at a hefty repair bill but also created serious gaps in its anti-poaching and surveillance network across the protected landscape, which is home to tiger and elephant corridors linking the three southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.As TOI reported Thursday, based on information provided by forest officials, 11 APCs were vandalised, including two facilities that were reportedly blown up using gelatine sticks.
TOI report dated Aug 20, 2026 on the extent of damage suffered by Karnataka forest department after miscreants allegedly targeted its infrastructure at multiple locations following the anti-poaching operation at Hanur
Stating that the vandalism had inflicted heavy losses on the department, forest minister Ramalinga Reddy told TOI, “The damage is severe, especially at the locations where our APCs were blown up. We are still ascertaining what type of explosive material was used at the sites. Our officials are assessing the damage and, based on the magistrate’s investigation report and assessment report prepared by our officials, we will discuss with the state govt how the cost of the damage can be recovered.”A senior forest official said it is still too early to arrive at an exact estimate of the losses suffered by the department. “Preliminary assessment has revealed major damages worth around Rs 50 lakh. A few APCs have been damaged beyond repair and will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Electrical infrastructure, including diesel generator sets, solar plants and UPS systems, as well as communication equipment, has been completely destroyed. Besides, cameras, optical instruments, water supply systems, accessories and other facilities have also been damaged. The losses could potentially rise to Rs 80 lakh or even Rs 1 crore once the detailed assessment is completed,” the official said, requesting anonymity.
