The Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar B Khandre, has announced that the Apsarakonda-Mugali Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttara Kannada district will be officially inaugurated in September. This significant development aims to conserve the region’s rich biodiversity, covering 835.02 hectares of forest area and 5,124.302 hectares of Arabian Sea area. The sanctuary will play a crucial role in protecting rare marine species, including sea turtles and dolphins.
Khandre chaired 3rd Standing Committee meeting of the State Wildlife Board at Vikas Soudha.
Efforts to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict
In a related initiative, Minister Khandre has directed forest officials to conduct monthly public meetings in villages on the outskirts of forests. These meetings will provide a platform for locals to express their grievances and work together to find solutions. By fostering good relations with the public and addressing concerns regarding human-wildlife conflict, the ministry aims to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Key Directives
- Forest officials will engage with local communities to understand their concerns and develop effective strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
- Senior officials will conduct regular visits to forest ranges to monitor the work of range officers and patrol staff, ensuring that measures are in place to prevent incidents like the recent death of 5 tigers in Malemahadeshwara wildlife.
- The ministry will assess and mitigate the impact of infrastructure projects, such as the proposed double line railway track between Hosapete and Castle Rock, on biodiversity, environment, and wildlife.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to conservation and sustainable forest management, while also addressing the needs of local communities.
