Karnataka’s Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar B. Khandre, recently addressed the alarming increase in human-animal conflicts in Chamarajanagar. He attributed the rise in recent tiger attacks to a growing big cat population coupled with a shrinking forest cover—leaving less space for wildlife.
During a vital public consultation, Minister Khandre engaged with local farmers and community members in Chamarajanagar. The meeting, prompted by three tiger attacks in just two weeks that claimed two lives and injured another, aimed to gather insights and solutions to mitigate these dangerous encounters.
Highlighting the drastic demographic shift, the Minister revealed that Bandipur, which housed a mere 12 tigers in 1972, now boasts a population of 153. This exponential growth, juxtaposed with diminishing natural habitats, intensifies the conflict.
Tragically, an average of 55 to 60 people die annually in Karnataka due to wildlife attacks. Statistics show a grim trend: 41 deaths in 2021-22 (28 by elephants, 2 by tigers), 57 in 2022-23 (32 by elephants, 5 by tigers), and 65 in 2023-24 (48 by elephants, 5 by tigers). The current year, 2024-25, has already seen 46 fatalities (36 from elephant attacks, 2 from tiger attacks), and in 2025-26, 30 lives have been lost so far, including 20 to elephants and 4 to tigers.
Addressing farmers’ concerns, Mr. Khandre reiterated that no illegal homestays, resorts, or stone quarrying operations are sanctioned within the state’s forest areas. He assured strict, uncompromising action against any proven violations in these protected zones.
To tackle the root causes of wildlife venturing into human settlements, the department has formed a two-member expert committee. Their findings, combined with public and farmer suggestions from the recent meeting, will inform and shape future implementation strategies, Minister Khandre affirmed.
Farmers also voiced their need for increased compensation for crop losses due to wildlife. The Minister promised to elevate this critical discussion with the Chief Minister.
Future Solutions: Integrated Command Centre & Wildlife Veterinarians
Looking ahead, an integrated command centre is slated for establishment, leveraging modern technology and communication systems to issue timely alerts about wildlife presence, thereby protecting both human lives and animal welfare.
Recognizing the current scarcity of specialized veterinary support, largely dependent on the Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Khandre announced a proposal for a dedicated cadre of wildlife veterinarians, to be appointed directly to bolster conservation efforts and emergency responses.
The meeting saw participation from key officials including K. Venkatesh (Minister in charge of Chamarajanagar district), H.C. Mahadevappa (Social Welfare Minister), MLAs Ganesh Prasad, A.R. Krishnamurthy, Anil Chikkamadu, Darshan Dhruvanarayan, and C. Puttarangashetty, MLC C.N. Manje Gowda, Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Meenakshi Negi, and Chief Wildlife Warden P.C. Rai, alongside other senior forest officials.