Karkala: An incident of littering by tourists on the Karkala–Moodubidri highway near Saanur village on Friday (May 15) led to the imposition of a fine after intervention by local authorities.

According to officials, tourists from Koppal arrived in two vehicles and consumed food near the roadside at Saanur. They later dumped plastic waste along the roadside, leading to public complaints and objection from local residents.

The matter escalated after the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Saanur Gram Panchayat, Vishwanath, reached the spot and objected to the act. The officer insisted on penal action against the tourists. However, the tourists reportedly refused to pay the fine, stating that such enforcement practices were not common in their area and questioned the absence of warning boards along the road.

The PDO strongly reprimanded the group and contacted the emergency helpline 112, following which instructions were given for the tourists to appear at the Karkala City Police Station. Local residents also supported the Panchayat action and stated that strict fines were necessary to ensure public cleanliness.

The tourists allegedly attempted to avoid the process by speeding towards the Pulkere bypass road in the direction of Padubidri. However, the Panchayat Development Officer had already documented the incident through photographs and video recordings.

A complaint was later submitted at the Karkala City Police Station, seeking registration of an FIR against the tourists. Police Sub-Inspector Muralidhara Nayak reportedly stated that under relevant provisions, the maximum fine authority was Rs 500 and advised that the Panchayat should impose the penalty.

The PDO escalated the matter through the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer to the Superintendent of Police. Following further proceedings, a fine of Rs 2,000 was finally imposed on the tourists under the provisions of the Panchayat Act.