Chief Minister asks Forest Department to address man-animal conflicts

Currently, only 20 percent of the state's land is covered by forests

CM proposed expanding this forest area to at least 33 percent

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of addressing man-animal conflicts during an event organized by the Karnataka Forest Department on September 29.

He also expressed the intention to explore funding for constructing barriers to prevent animals from venturing out of forest areas.

During the ceremony, CM Siddaramaiah instructed forest department officials to take appropriate measures to tackle this issue.

Speaking at the Chief Minister’s Medal Presentation Ceremony at Vidhana Soudha, he emphasized the significance of afforestation by planting more saplings, highlighting the potential benefits of expanding the forest regions in the state.

He acknowledged the rise in tiger and elephant populations in forests, but noted the challenge of these wild animals encroaching into human habitats, posing difficulties for both the forest department and the local populace.

Siddaramaiah emphasized Karnataka’s leading role in forest and wildlife conservation and stressed the government’s duty to recognize and encourage diligent officers.

He called for greater emphasis on forest development, as currently, only 20 percent of the state’s land is covered by forests. He proposed expanding this forest area by at least 33 percent, citing it as a crucial strategy to mitigate climate change.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister recommended streamlining the awarding process, suggesting that medals should be awarded annually rather than accumulating and presenting them every two or three years. He directed the state Forest Minister to consider implementing this change.