Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced the establishment of an elephant camp in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to mitigate human-elephant conflicts in Shivamogga, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru.
Speaking at Bhadra Tiger Reserve’s silver jubilee celebration, Minister Khandre unveiled plans for the 2,000-hectare elephant camp, which will provide a secure habitat for rescued elephants. The area will be developed to offer the elephants’ preferred food sources, including bamboo, jackfruits, and grass, enclosed by a barricade.
Karnataka boasts the second-largest tiger population in India, with approximately 563 tigers. The state’s conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results, increasing the tiger population from 1,827 in 1980 to over 3,000 today.
Minister Khandre reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting small-scale farmers, stating that those occupying less than three acres will not face eviction. Excessive encroachers, however, will face legal action.
To commemorate Bhadra’s silver jubilee, a postal stamp, website, and mobile app were launched at Kuvempu university.
