Almost five months after an ashram inside Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) was demolished following a Supreme Court order, the protected area is once again facing a threat — this time from illegal dirt biking. While on a walk inside the sanctuary on February 9, a wildlife lover spotted a couple of bikers racing on the mud track. With the video of the act that he recorded going viral on social media, the authorities concerned have now started looking for the bikers.

City-based NGO Empower Foundation informed the Forest Department demanding action against those involved in dirt biking inside the sanctuary. Founder of Empower Foundation, Jalpesh Mehta, told mid-day, "It is the joint responsibility of citizens and state government to protect the forests. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem and the Forest Department has been playing a very important role in conserving it. Citizens should also play their roles to protect wildlife and the environment."