Centralised command centre, drones and thermal cameras to aid wildlife monitoring Bandipur: In a decisive move to curb rising instances of human-wildlife conflict, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed the formation of a State-level Task Force comprising local elected representatives, NGOs and environmental experts. The initiative aims to ensure a coordinated response to wildlife-related…
Two-tier check to keep single-use plastics out of forest zones
October 28, 2025Bandipur: To curb the entry of single-use plastics into forest zones, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has launched a two-tier vehicle screening system along routes leading to protected areas such as Bandipur and Nagarahole. Under the system’s first tier, travellers are urged to voluntarily discard single-use plastic items into designated bins before entering the forest….
State elephant handlers known for skills: Khandre
September 30, 2025Mysore/Mysuru: In a tribute to Karnataka’s elephant handlers, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre lauded the State’s mahouts and kavadis for their unmatched role in mitigating human-wildlife conflict across India. Speaking at the Mysore Palace premises yesterday, after distributing welfare kits to Dasara elephant caretakers, the Minister highlighted that the skills of Karnataka’s mahouts are not…
Leopard Task Force gets vehicles, special gear
September 30, 2025Mysore/Mysuru: To curb leopard-related incidents in Mysuru district, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre formally handed over five new vehicles and a suite of modern safety equipment to the district’s Leopard Task Force (LTF). The ceremony, held at the Mysore Palace premises, marks a significant enhancement of the team’s operational capacity in tackling human-wildlife conflicts. The…
Echo of tiger deaths in M.M. Hills: Two Forest officers suspended over lapses, dereliction of duty
July 5, 2025Action recommended against senior Indian Forest Service Officer Y. Chakrapani Chamarajanagar: More than a week after the shocking deaths of five tigers — a tigress and her four cubs — in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara (M.M.) Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has suspended two officials for dereliction of duty and recommended action against…
State set to ease sandalwood policy to enhance cultivation
June 5, 2025Forest Minister outlines policy after distributing KSDL-sponsored safety kits to frontline staff Mysuru: To encourage sandalwood cultivation, the Karnataka Government is set to simplify regulations surrounding the harvesting and transportation of the aromatic tree, announced Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre. He was speaking at an event held at the Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru yesterday,…
Tree felling case: Forest Minister orders probe
April 20, 2025Seeks report within seven days Environmentalists and concerned citizens have questioned the necessity and legality of the act. Media reports suggest there was no urgent need for road widening in this area, yet the trees were axed in apparent haste. — Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre Mysuru: Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has ordered a…
Bandipur night traffic ban: Forest Minister to discuss with CM, legal experts
April 1, 2025New Delhi: Terming the night traffic ban in Bandipur Tiger Reserve a complex issue, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has said he will consult Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and seek the opinion of legal experts before arriving at a consensus. Speaking to the media, Khandre noted that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court….
State to reclaim 5,100 acres of leased forest land: Khandre
December 10, 2024Leased out to coffee and rubber plantations in Kodagu & Chamarajanagar during British era Belagavi: The Department of Forests, Ecology, and Environment has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim over 5,100 acres of reserved forest land leased to nine private plantations during the British era. Responding to a query by BJP MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa in…
Butterfly Park to come up at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
November 26, 2024Mysuru: Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre has directed his department officials to establish a Butterfly Park on one acre of land within Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, akin to the one at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. After visiting and inspecting Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya District yesterday, the Minister…














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