Khandre directs capturing leopard in Tarikere, clearing encroachments on forestland

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has instructed department officials to intensify efforts to capture a leopard that killed a five-year-old girl near Mundre village in Tarikere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, recently.

At a meeting in Tarikere, he directed officers to place four more cages to capture the leopard; the department had already placed eight cages.

“I wish no person is attacked by wild animals. However, the situation went out of control in recent incidents. I have instructed officers to take all measures to prevent human-wildlife conflicts,” he stated. He also offered condolences over the death of the girl.

Further, the Minister stated that he had directed that compensation be paid for loss of crop because of wild animals, early. The recent meeting chaired by the Chief Minister had decided on this and officers should clear the dues within a month of the incident, Mr. Khandre said.

On king cobras in the Malnad region, the Minister said the department had trained five persons each in all ranges of Kodagu and Malnad districts to rescue king cobras when they entered human habitat. “Officers should not take the help of private people to capture and rescue king cobras,” he added.

Encroachments

The Minister also called for clearing encroachments on forestlands. “Strict action should be taken against fresh encroachments reported since 2015, based on satellite images. Officers should identify such cases and book cases. The department will hold the Range Forest Officers concerned responsible if encroachments continue,” he stated.