Why in news?
The Karnataka police filed a case against eight men on 14 November 2025 for illegally entering the restricted Dariya Bahadur Island (also called Daria Bahadurgad) near Malpe port in Udupi district. The group reportedly went fishing on the island despite a prohibition on public access. Authorities emphasised that the island is off‑limits for safety and heritage‑protection reasons.
Background
Dariya Bahadur Island is a tiny, rocky islet off the Malpe coastline, about 5 km northwest of Udupi. Covering roughly 1.6 square kilometres, it is one of the lesser‑known isles in the St Mary’s Islands cluster. The island’s prominence comes from an old fort built in the 18th century by Basavappa Naik, the ruler of Bidanur (now Nagara). The fort served as a lookout to monitor maritime trade and defend against seaborne threats.
Features of the island
- Historic fort: Though in ruins, the stone fort walls, bastions and remnants of a watchtower still stand. Locals sometimes refer to the site as Dariya Bahadur Gad or “sea hero fort”.
- Lighthouse and structures: A small lighthouse on the island aids coastal navigation. An abandoned tile factory and a few temple ruins testify to earlier human activity.
- Restricted access: The Indian Coast Guard and local authorities restrict public visits to protect the fragile heritage and avoid accidents on the rocky terrain. Tourist ferries usually take visitors to nearby St Mary’s Islands instead.
Significance and conservation
- Cultural heritage: The fort is a reminder of coastal Karnataka’s maritime history and the strategic importance of Malpe as a trading hub.
- Environmental sensitivity: Small islands host unique ecosystems, and uncontrolled tourism could harm seabird nesting sites and fragile vegetation.
- Responsible tourism: Authorities encourage visitors to explore designated destinations like St Mary’s Islands and Malpe Beach while respecting no‑entry zones like Dariya Bahadur Island.
Conclusion
The case against the trespassers serves as a reminder that heritage sites, even small and remote ones, require protection. Preserving Dariya Bahadur Island’s history and ecology will ensure that future generations can learn about Karnataka’s maritime past.
Source: The Times of India · Native Planet