Karnataka’s Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has stressed the urgent need for enhanced wildlife conservation efforts across the state. His remarks come in the wake of several disturbing incidents involving animal deaths.
During the inauguration of the 71st Wildlife Week celebrations on October 2nd, Minister Khandre recounted tragic events, including the loss of five tigers in MM Hills, 20 peacocks in Madhugiri, and 19 monkeys in Bandipur. He expressed deep regret that such occurrences persist despite stringent enforcement of the Wildlife Conservation Act.
Protecting Majestic Wildlife: Tigers and Elephants
Highlighting Karnataka’s impressive wildlife population, Minister Khandre noted that the state boasts the highest number of elephants in India, with 5,395 individuals, and ranks second nationally for its tiger population, with 563 big cats. However, he lamented the “heartbreaking” loss of one percent of the state’s tigers in a single day due to a poisoning incident in MM Hills.
He emphasized that preventing such tragedies in the future requires a collective effort, underscoring that wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility, not solely that of forest department officials, but of every citizen.
Reclaiming Green Spaces: Encroachments Cleared
In a significant step towards urban greening, Mr. Khandre revealed that over 250 acres of forest land, valued at approximately ₹10,000 crores, have been successfully reclaimed from encroachers within Bengaluru city. To further enhance the city’s green cover, a sprawling botanical garden, inspired by the renowned Lalbagh, is currently under development across 153 acres in Madappanahalli.
Furthering conservation efforts, 5,678 acres in Hesaraghatta have been designated as a protected grassland, and a plot containing 371 trees near the Cantonment railway station has been recognized as a heritage biodiversity site.
Promoting Eco-Friendly Festivities: A Call for Green Crackers
Looking ahead to the Deepavali festivities, the Minister urged the public to refrain from bursting traditional firecrackers or, at the very least, choose environmentally friendly “green crackers.” He highlighted the detrimental health impacts of conventional firecrackers, which contain heavy metals linked to respiratory issues like asthma and various allergies.
The 71st Wildlife Week celebrations officially commenced with a flagging-off ceremony led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Vidhana Soudha.