Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has voiced concerns about the rising instances of human-wildlife conflicts and called for proactive measures to address this critical issue. Speaking at the Chief Minister's Medal Presentation Ceremony, organized by the Karnataka Forest Department, Siddaramaiah emphasized the need to prevent such conflicts and explore options for safeguarding both people and wildlife.
Proactive Approach to Prevent Conflicts
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed forest department officials to take decisive action to curb human-wildlife conflicts. He highlighted the importance of allocating funds for constructing barricades that can effectively deter animals from venturing out of their natural habitats and into human settlements.
Afforestation for a Balanced Ecosystem
Siddaramaiah stressed the significance of afforestation by advocating the planting of more saplings. He recognized that expanding forest areas could bring substantial benefits to the state. While expressing satisfaction over the increasing tiger and elephant populations in Karnataka's forests, he acknowledged the challenges posed by these wild animals encroaching on human habitats.
A Call for Forest Area Expansion
Karnataka has been a frontrunner in forest and wildlife conservation, and Siddaramaiah affirmed the government's responsibility to support dedicated officers in their duties. He emphasized the urgent need to allocate more resources to forest development and expand the forest area. Currently, only 20% of the state's land area is covered by forests, and Siddaramaiah proposed increasing this coverage by at least 33%. This expansion is seen as a vital step in combating climate change.
Drought and Climate Impact
The Chief Minister also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, including droughts and food shortages caused by irregular rainfall. He revealed that 50% of crops in 40 lakh hectares had been damaged due to drought, impacting the state's GDP and per capita income. Siddaramaiah stressed that these recurring drought situations could be mitigated by expanding forest cover to mitigate extreme weather conditions.
Streamlined Recognition for Conservation Efforts
Siddaramaiah called for streamlining the process of awarding medals to individuals contributing to forest and wildlife conservation efforts. He recommended that the Chief Minister's Medal be awarded annually, rather than waiting for extended periods after the selection of awardees, to encourage and acknowledge continuous dedication to conservation.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's call for preventive measures to address human-wildlife conflicts and his commitment to expanding forest areas in Karnataka demonstrate a proactive approach to conserving the state's rich biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. These steps are essential not only for the welfare of the wildlife but also for the well-being of the people of Karnataka and the environment at large.
