In a significant move to address the escalating human-animal conflict across Karnataka, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has announced the formation of a dedicated task force. The minister issued clear directives during a high-level review meeting with senior forest officials, signaling the state's intensified approach to wildlife management.
The newly established task force will operate at both state and district levels, creating a coordinated response system to handle conflict situations more effectively. This structural approach aims to ensure quicker intervention and better management of human-wildlife encounters that have been increasing across the state.
Compensation Reforms for Victims
In a major relief measure for affected families, Minister Khandre has ordered significant improvements to the compensation process. "The compensation amount for human deaths in animal attacks will see a substantial increase," the minister confirmed. The government is also streamlining the documentation requirements to ensure faster disbursal of funds to victims' families.
The reforms extend beyond human casualties. Compensation for crop damage and livestock losses caused by wildlife will also be enhanced, providing much-needed support to farmers and rural communities who bear the brunt of human-animal conflicts.
Proactive Prevention Measures
Beyond reactive measures, the forest department has been directed to implement comprehensive prevention strategies. These include:
- Strengthening early warning systems in vulnerable areas
- Increasing monitoring of wildlife movement patterns
- Enhancing community awareness programs
- Improving habitat management practices
The minister emphasized the urgent need for immediate action in conflict-prone zones, particularly where human settlements interface with forest areas. This proactive stance represents a shift from merely responding to incidents to preventing them altogether.
This comprehensive approach comes at a critical time as Karnataka continues to grapple with balancing conservation efforts with human safety concerns. The task force initiative marks one of the most significant governmental responses to the growing challenge of human-wildlife coexistence in recent years.
