Environment minister Khandre calls on for healthy co-existence between inhabitants on forest fringes, animals

Mysuru: Minister for Environment, Ecology and Forests Eshwar B Khandre called for conservation of animals and forest wealth, and healthy co-existence between inhabitants on forest fringes and animals at the Gajapayana celebrations in Mysuru's Veeranahosahalli.

Khandre recalled the incident of the poisoning of a tiger and its four cubs by villagers in MM Hill; leopards killed due to snares, and elephants dying due to electrification of fences.

He explained the steps taken to prevent man-animal conflict.

He pointed out that, earlier till 2023, rail barricades were erected for 312.918 km around the forests, and over the past two years, there are rail barricades for a distance of 115.085 km.

He also said that there work to erect rail barricades in the rest of the area around forests in Karnataka has been taken up and it is worth Rs 500 crore.

The minister assured of necessary support to tribals who play a significant role in protection of animals. Even as the forest department is conducting a joint survey of forest land and revenue land around the forest, he directed the officers to not disturb farmers who have cultivated on less than 3 acres of forest land. 

Hunsur MLA G D Harish Gowda urged for completion of joint survey of revenue and forest lands around the forests at the earliest; and for erection of rail barricades in the rest of the area of forest fringes in Hunsur taluk. He also pressed for construction of mesh on forest fringes, to save crops and to prevent man-animal conflict.

He urged him to build new houses at the rehabilitation centres for tribals relocated from forests. He urged him to increase the compensation for such relocated tribals.