In a significant policy shift, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has declared that the state will not approve any new safari projects until pressing man-animal conflict issues are effectively resolved. This bold announcement comes as Karnataka grapples with increasing encounters between humans and wildlife across several forest regions.
Prioritizing Conflict Resolution Over Tourism Expansion
The minister made his position clear during a high-level meeting with senior forest department officials, emphasizing that addressing human-wildlife conflict must take precedence over expanding tourism infrastructure. "Our immediate focus is resolving the man-animal conflict situation," Khandre stated unequivocally.
This decision puts on hold several proposed safari projects that were in the pipeline, sending a strong message about the government's renewed commitment to wildlife conservation and community safety.
Comprehensive Strategy for Wildlife Management
Minister Khandre outlined a multi-pronged approach to tackle the escalating conflict situation:
- Enhanced monitoring systems in conflict-prone areas
- Rapid response teams to handle emergency situations
- Community awareness programs to educate local populations
- Habitat improvement initiatives to keep wildlife within forest boundaries
Focus on High-Conflict Zones
The minister specifically highlighted regions around Bandipur National Park and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve as priority areas requiring immediate attention. These regions have witnessed numerous incidents of elephants, tigers, and other wildlife straying into human settlements, resulting in crop damage, property loss, and sometimes human casualties.
"We cannot in good conscience expand tourist facilities while local communities living near forest borders face daily threats from wild animals," Khandre emphasized during his address to officials.
Balancing Conservation and Community Needs
The forest department is now tasked with developing a comprehensive action plan that addresses both wildlife protection and community safety concerns. This includes exploring innovative solutions such as:
- Early warning systems using technology
- Improved barrier systems and elephant-proof trenches
- Compensation mechanisms for affected farmers
- Alternative livelihood options for forest-border communities
This proactive stance by the Karnataka Forest Department marks a significant shift in wildlife management strategy, prioritizing ecological balance and human safety over tourism revenue. The minister's firm position has been welcomed by conservationists while putting safari operators on notice that business-as-usual approaches will no longer suffice.
The state government's renewed focus on sustainable wildlife management sets an important precedent for other states grappling with similar man-animal conflict challenges across India.
