The Kerala Forest department has launched a probe after a group, including Tamil Nadu MLAs, reportedly operated a drone camera inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady and posted the visuals on social media.

According to officials, Tamil Nadu released water from the Mullaperiyar dam for farming and drinking water purposes on August 8, 2026. The ceremony was attended by Cumbum MLA Jagannath Misra, Periyakulam MLA G. Sabari Iyngaran, and others. During the event, the team used drone cameras to capture footage of the Mullaperiyar dam, canal, and the surrounding forest. The issue came to light after the Periyakulam MLA posted the drone video on his Instagram handle.

Complaint lodged

Officials stated that the drone was operated without permission from the Kerala Forest department or the Kerala Police. Sources indicated that the Kerala Forest department has lodged a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Water Resources department regarding the breach.

An official attached to the PTR confirmed that the team operated the drone without permission. “We informed them that this was a serious violation on their part. We also warned them not to repeat such violations inside the tiger reserve,” the official said.

Following the Kerala Forest department’s complaint, the Tamil Nadu MLA removed the video from his Instagram.

Published - August 10, 2026 08:00 pm IST