A 48-year-old woman is suspected to have been mauled to death by a tiger near Moorband Betta in HD Kote Taluk here on Saturday evening, after her mutilated body was found in the early hours of Sunday, official sources said.

The deceased has been identified as Chikki from Malada Haadi in N Begur panchayat limits.

According to officials, the woman was reportedly attacked by a tiger when she was rearing goats. The big cat had dragged her body into the forest area.

The woman’s family members, villagers and forest staff had started a search for her on Saturday itself, official sources said. On Sunday morning her mutilated body was found near a forest watch tower.

Police and forest department officials visited the spot. The Antarasante police have registered a case.

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Bengaluru: A recent study commissioned by the Karnataka government has revealed that 28% of the state's 328.55-km coastline is experiencing high levels of erosion. The report, submitted by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management to the Environment Department, shows that the length of eroding stretches has more than doubled, from 43.7 km in 1990 to 91.6 km in 2024.

Titled Shoreline Management Plan Along Karnataka Coast, the report highlights the impact of increased sediment barriers and upstream activities on coastal erosion. It also calls for the adoption of nature-based solutions to counter the effects of climate change and human activities.

District-wise findings

The coastline of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada spans 328.55 km, with varying levels of erosion across the districts:

Uttara Kannada: Although 28% of its 193-km coastline is eroded, the district accounts for 39% of the state’s total erosion due to increased coastal development.

Udupi: Despite 43% of the coastline being protected by seawalls, 38% remains affected by erosion, contributing to 32% of Karnataka's overall erosion.

Dakshina Kannada: The district’s 37-km coastline faces “critical” erosion, with 39% of its stretches severely impacted, including areas such as Uchil and Batapady.

The report warns that coastal erosion threatens habitations, estuarine environments, mangroves, mudflats, and fish landing areas.

Recommendations

Identifying 44 critical erosion zones, the report suggests:
1. Beach nourishment through sand replenishment.
2. Rehabilitation of sand dunes and bioshields.
3. Mangrove afforestation to stabilise coastlines and support fisheries.

The findings will inform the Karnataka-Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (K-SHORE) project, which prioritises nature-based solutions over hard approaches like seawalls. R Gokul, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, stated that the Rs 840-crore project will focus on mangrove planting, beach nourishment, and tackling plastic pollution. These measures aim to protect the coastline and boost the blue economy.

The report will also guide the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority in reviewing coastal development proposals.