Coexistence with wildlife need of the hour, says Forest Minister

Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Monday said that human–wildlife conflicts are on the rise with forest areas shrinking and residential zones expanding. Coexistence with wildlife has become the need of the hour, he added.

Speaking after inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), jointly organised by the Mysuru and Kodagu district administrations and the regional office of KSPCB at the Maharaja’s College Grounds here, the Minister said wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. It is important to educate the masses, especially the people and children in forest-fringe areas, about the behaviour of wild animals and the importance of coexistence. NGOs and forest personnel should take up this task, he said.

Pointing out that human actions are the primary cause of natural disasters, Mr. Khandre said, “Excessive borewell digging, tree felling, and the construction of high-rise buildings have led to oxygen depletion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed people dying due to a lack of oxygen, which is the consequence of environmental degradation. If we fail to act now, the future will be perilous,” he cautioned.

Highlighting the effects of climate change and global warming, the Minister spoke about the devastation caused by landslides at Shirur in Uttara Kannada and Wayanad in Kerala. “Such disasters can be averted if we protect our environment,” he said.

He said climate change has drastically changed rainfall patterns. “Rain that should fall over a month now pours in a week; a week’s rain falls in a day; and sometimes a day’s rain in just an hour, causing floods,” the Minister said, emphasising the need for large-scale tree planting and forest conservation.

Mysuru to become ‘plastic-free’

The Minister said the Chief Minister has declared Mysuru a single-use plastic-free city, and urged officials and citizens to work together to achieve this goal. “When you go to the market, carry a cloth bag and avoid plastic carry bags altogether,” he urged.

Recalling the contributions of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Mr. Khandre said her foresight led to the enactment of several environmental and wildlife protection laws that have helped preserve forests and ecosystems across India.

District In-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, in his address, said environmental pollution control has become an integral part of science. “People’s health and livelihoods depend on a healthy environment, and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect it,” he said.

KSPCB Chairman P.M. Narendraswamy said the event aimed to raise public awareness about environmental protection. “The greatest inheritance we can leave for the next generation is clean air, water, and food,” he said.

Chamraj MLA K. Harish Gowda presided over the event.

Indira Priyadarshini awards

On the occasion, institutions, including Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Madilu Education and Rural Development Institution, green activist Keerthi D’Souza, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Kodagu, Karnataka Rajya Vignana Parishat, Kodagu district committee, were honoured with the Indira Priyadarshini awards for their contributions to environmental protection.

MLAs Anikumar C. and G.T. Devegowda, MLCs D. Thimmaiah, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, K. Shivakumar, S.S. Lingaraju, Member Secretary, KSPCB, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy, ZP CEO S. Yukesh Kumar, MCC Commissioner Sheikh Tanveer Asif, and several other officials and dignitaries were present.