Karnataka Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Thursday directed officials of the forest department to reach out to the public to solve issues related to wildlife conflict.
Khandre was chairing the third meeting of the Standing Committee, State Board of Wildlife, held on Thursday.
He said the personnel and officers at the divisional level, from the deputy range forest officer to the deputy conservator of forests, have to regularly meet the public to understand the problems they face from the wildlife and strive to maintain good relationships.
The minister pointed to the death of five tigers in Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and the electrocution of elephants. Senior officials should visit each range to empower the frontline staff and to review the work of the officers concerned, he said.
Khandre also directed authorities to bring the proposal for Hosapete-Goa railway line doubling project along with suitable measures for the mitigation of the impact on wildlife.
He said that Karnataka’s first marine wildlife sanctuary in Apsarakonda-Mugali will be unveiled in September.
A total of 835.02 hectares (2063.37 acres) of adjoining forests, as well as 5124.302 hectares (12662.42 acres) of the Arabian Sea, will be part of the proposed sanctuary.