Karnataka mulls leopard rescue centre in Bangalore

In backdrop of increasing number of man-animal conflicts in the state, the Karnataka government plans to establish a leopard rescue centre at the Bannerghatta National Park here, a top forest official said today.

Leopards from "vulnerable areas" will be caught with the help of tranquilisers and shifted to this proposed centre, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force A K Varma said, responding to a question on a leopard reportedly attacking a man in Hassan district few days back.

Varma said the state is also planning to establish "Siri Chandana Vana" (mini sandalwood forests) at 50 to 60 places across the state.

Admitting that the long-pending proposal of an elephant corridor in the state needed to be taken up proactively and aggressively, Varma said the state government has approached the Centre for funds for the project as it is not possible to bear the entire estimated cost of Rs 500 crore alone.

Varma expressed hope that the Centre will start Elephant Conservation Authority on the lines of Tiger Conservation Authority in the 12th plan and added that Karnataka will soon come up with an eco-tourism policy and disallow "uncontrolled tourism."

Meanwhile, sources in the Forest department said the government is planning to gradually phase out jungle safaris conducted by private parties.