The Karnataka government is set to commence construction of an elephant soft release center within the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the next 1.5 to 2 months. This ₹53 crore project aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, particularly elephant-related issues, in Hassan, Kodagu, and Chikkamagaluru districts.
Forest, Wildlife, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre announced that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the project. He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting human lives, citing an average of 50-60 fatalities annually due to human-wildlife conflict. “Every life is precious, and we are working tirelessly to save people’s lives,” he added.
*Key Highlights:*
– *Bhadra Elephant Sanctuary*: Construction of the soft release center is expected to begin within 1.5 to 2 months, with a budget of ₹53 crore.
– *Forest Conservation*: The government has cleared 6,225.31 acres of forest land from encroachment in 1,203 cases over 21 months and declared 15,422 acres as forest land.
– *Bamboo Plantation*: Bamboo plantations along forest fringes will act as a bio-barrier, prevent encroachment, and provide food for elephants.
– *Urban Green Spaces*: A large botanical garden is planned in Bengaluru’s Madappanahalli, and 5,678 acres around Hesarghatta Lake have been declared a protected grassland.
– *HMT Land Issue*: The government is contesting the alleged sale of 443 acres of forest land worth ₹14,300 crore by HMT.
– *Trekking Trails*: An online booking system for trekking trails has been introduced, along with transparent transfers of forest staff and an online FIR system for forest crimes.
