Karnataka to recruit 15 wildlife veterinarians soon, says Forest Minister after mass blackbuck death
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given in-principle approval to create a separate cadre for wildlife veterinarians and recruit 15 doctors soon, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Tuesday.
He held a video conference with heads of all nine zoos after 31 blackbucks died under unusual circumstances at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi. He directed zoo officials to take immediate preventive measures with the help of available veterinary staff until new wildlife doctors are appointed.
Veterinarians have confirmed that an infection caused by bacteria led to the blackbuck deaths. Khandre instructed officials to study whether the infection spread through air, water, food or handlers, and to ensure that it does not reach other animals.
The minister also asked the Zoo Authority to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure for handling such disease outbreaks, along with guidelines for managing wild animals in zoos and rescue centres. He said the SOP must be followed strictly.
Khandre directed that whenever animals die in zoos or wildlife centres, officials must not delay post-mortem examinations and must send reports to the government immediately. He said the deaths of 31 blackbucks serve as a warning, and added that the remaining seven blackbucks are also infected and require urgent treatment. All zoos in the state have been asked to take precautionary measures.
Referring to the recent death of a gaur that was being transported from Bannerghatta to a neighbouring state, he said complaints indicated negligence by officials. A team will be formed to investigate the incident, and staff will be given training in handling wild animals.
Zoo Authority of Karnataka chairman Hadya Rangaswamy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) P.C. Rai and senior officials took part in the meeting.
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TN seeks duty-free cotton imports to support textile sector: CM Vijay writes to PM
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the import duty on cotton.
In his first letter to Modi after taking over as chief minister of the state, he said Tamil Nadu is the country’s largest textile and apparel exporting state.
Lakhs of people are dependent on this sector for both direct and indirect employment, especially women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, Vijay pointed out.
Stating that the industry is facing a severe crisis due to an increase in cotton prices and consequently yarn prices, he said, “I understand this is caused primarily due to a shortage in cotton production and increased trading activity in the country.”
Pointing out that the price of cotton has increased from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy—an increase of 25 per cent over the last two months—while yarn prices have increased from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg, he said, “In this situation, the continued supply of raw material can be ensured only through imports.”
However, there is an import duty of 11 per cent on cotton, he said, adding that in such a situation, permitting duty-free cotton imports will help the industry meet increasing export commitments and remain globally competitive.
Vijay said that after agriculture, the textile and apparel sector is one of the largest employment-generating sectors.
“There is a significant responsibility on the government to safeguard the employment of lakhs of people and ensure the sustainability of the textile value chain," he said.
“Hence, I request your intervention to remove the import duty on cotton from the existing 11 per cent to 0 per cent to ensure the availability of raw material. This measure will enable the textile and apparel industry to remain globally competitive, enhance exports, and protect jobs,” he added.
