Human-animal conflict: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directs formation of task force

Chamarajanagar: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has instructed the officials to form a state-level wildlife-human conflict management task force comprising local representatives, NGOs, and environmental experts.

The minister held an emergency meeting with high-level officers following two tiger attack incidents that claimed a life of the farmer and left another seriously injured in Saragur taluk, Mysuru district.

“The task force should create awareness among people in the villages near the forest about coexistence with animals and precautionary measures to be taken. Besides, the task force should act as a bridge between the authorities and the villagers,” he said.

The minister said that the authorities should follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during the rescue operation of wild animals such as tiger, leopard and elephant. Information on safety measures should be uploaded on social media.

A command centre will be established to send Whatsapp messages, he said.

The minister directed the Chief Wildlife Warden to submit a proposal for tentacle fencing, installation of solar wire fences, elephant trenches and chain link fencing for railway barricades. Frontline personnel should be appointed on an outsourced basis. A report should be submitted within five days on the measures to control wildlife spreading from the forest, the minister said.

He also assured that action will be taken after reviewing the report on the exploitation of King Cobra, in the name of research in the Malnad region.