Mysuru: Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister, Eshwar B. Khandre, recently highlighted a critical issue: as forests shrink and human settlements grow, conflicts between people and wildlife are rising. He emphasized the pressing need for coexistence with wildlife during the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Khandre stressed how vital wildlife is for our planet’s ecological balance. He believes educating young people, especially in areas near forests, about wildlife behavior can foster harmony. “NGOs and forest officials should take this on as their responsibility,” he noted.
Following a recent tragic incident in which Rajasekhar lost his life due to a tiger attack in Saragur taluk, Khandre expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and assured them that the government would provide compensation as needed.
He also declared Mysuru a single-use plastic-free city, a decision made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Khandre urged local authorities to ensure this initiative is successful, advising citizens to use cloth bags instead of plastic.
The minister pointed out the increasing dangers posed by climate change. He recalled recent disasters, like the landslide in Sirur and village floods in Wayanad, as examples of the urgent need for environmental care. “Rainfall patterns are shifting; what once took a month now falls in just a week. This leads to floods,” he explained. To counter these threats, he called for more tree planting and forest protection.
Khandre also noted the alarming rise in summer temperatures, linking it to heat-related deaths. “During the last Hajj, many pilgrims died from extreme heat,” he mentioned. The solution, he argued, lies in large-scale tree plantations.
He paid tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for being a forward-thinking leader. He acknowledged her environmental policies as foundational for protecting India’s natural resources and maintaining ecological balance.
The conversation around wildlife and climate change is gaining traction among citizens, especially on social media, where many share their concerns and support for conservation. Recent surveys show that over 60% of individuals recognize the importance of wildlife and advocate for protective measures. As our world continues to change, awareness and action will be crucial in preserving not just our forests, but also the rich wildlife they house.
For more insights into the impact of wildlife conservation, visit WWF.
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Climate change, Eshwar Khandre, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, wildlife conservation, plastic-free Mysuru, environmental protection
