Karnataka Forest minister directs officials to initiate measures to check human-animal conflict
Bengaluru (PTI): In view of the recurring tiger attacks in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Wednesday directed officials to install cameras along forest fringes and alert local residents in advance about tiger movement through round-the-clock monitoring.
Chairing a meeting on human-animal conflict here, Khandre said that farmers working in their fields and plantations are being attacked by wild animals.
A statement issued by the minister's office said, Khandre instructed that cameras be installed near human settlements and farmlands to issue timely warnings and prevent loss of lives and crops.
The minister called for both short-term and long-term solutions, including thermal surveillance and intensified patrolling.
He further ordered that the most conflict-prone villages around Bandipur and Nagarahole forests be identified, and forest watch camps established every five to six km, involving local youth for monitoring.
Khandre directed that rescue teams with elephants be rushed immediately whenever a tiger attacks livestock.
Injured or aged tigers should be captured and treated appropriately, he said.
He also instructed the appointment of senior officers as nodal officials to camp in conflict zones and resolve issues on the ground.
The minister announced the formation of an expert committee to study the ecological carrying capacity of wildlife habitats and the causes for animals straying into human areas. Based on the committee's report, suitable action would be taken, he said.
Khandre also highlighted the spread of invasive weeds such as Lantana and Senna, which have reduced fodder availability for herbivores, forcing elephants out of forests.
He directed that these weeds be scientifically removed, and that best practices from other states be studied and adopted.
Khandre's direction came following four people killed within a span of a month in Mysuru district in tiger attack, two deaths in tusker attack.
Also, two tigers and their three cubs were poisoned to death in Chamarajanagar after they preyed on cattle.
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Deepfakes significant threat to democracy: President Murmu
New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said deepfake and misinformation were becoming significant threats to democracy and social harmony, and urged lawmakers to deliberate on this grave issue.
In her address to both Houses of Parliament, she said in view of the dangers arising due to misuse of AI, it is imperative to be serious on this issue.
"Deepfake, misinformation, and fake content are becoming significant threats to democracy, social harmony, and public trust. It is essential that all of you deliberate on this grave issue," the President said.
She called for cultivating innovation at the classroom level, and made a strong pitch for early exposure to science, technology and creative problem-solving in schools.
"Today, technology is evolving rapidly. As a result of this, the nature of jobs is also changing at a fast pace. Therefore, the National Education Policy has been designed to meet the needs of both, the present and the future," the President said.
She said right at the school level, children are being nurtured to have a mindset for technology and innovation.
"The Atal Innovation Mission is playing an effective role in this. So far, over one crore students across the country have benefitted from Atal Tinkering Labs," the President said, adding that the culture of research and development is also being promoted through Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
Murmu said one thousand ITIs were being made future-ready for upgrading the ITI network in the country.
"On this account, Rs 60,000 crore is being spent under the PM Setu Scheme. My government is preparing an industry-ready workforce for modern technology. So far, 60 thousand youth have been trained for the semiconductor industry. Ten lakh youth are being trained in the field of Artificial Intelligence," the President said.
