CM Siddaramaiah calls for scientific measures to stop wild animals straying into human habitats
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday directed officials to take scientific and immediate measures to curb the problem of wild animals straying into human habitats.
The directive came after a tiger killed four people and livestock in Mysuru district over the past month.
The chief minister said the issue must be handled with urgency and guided by evidence-based solutions.
At a meeting with senior forest department officials, Siddaramaiah asked, "Why are tigers and elephants coming out of the forest? Give a scientific reason."
He emphasised, "There is an urgent need to find an effective solution through a scientific approach," and suggested concrete remedial measures.
A statement issued by the CMO said Siddaramaiah instructed the department to fill water pits inside forests, remove lantana, and grow grass to ensure adequate food and water sources within forest areas.
He also directed continuous monitoring of elephant and tiger movements and said a separate meeting would be convened to prevent conflicts between wild animals and humans.
Officers must conduct a comprehensive study on causes and solutions, he added.
The statement said officials informed Siddaramaiah that a helpline had already been opened and that work was underway to set up a command centre to strengthen response mechanisms.
The CM also instructed officers to act conscientiously in matters related to tribal hamlets and forest dwellers.
He enquired whether drinking water and electricity were being adequately provided to tribal settlements and urged officials to ensure their welfare.
When MLA Anil Chikkamadu highlighted that man-animal conflicts had increased in HD Kote due to a lack of coordination between forest officers, Siddaramaiah warned that strict action would be taken if human lives were lost.
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Karnataka's BioEconomy reaches USD 39.2 billion, says report
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka's BioEconomy has reached USD 39.2 billion in 2025, marking strong growth from previous years and reaffirming the state's leadership position nationally, according to an official report released on Monday.
The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), under the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, unveiled the Karnataka BioEconomy Report 2025 in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises.
The report that was released by IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the state contributes around 21 per cent of India's BioEconomy and accounts for over 10 per cent of Karnataka's GSDP.
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According to the report, the BioEconomy has expanded from USD 31.0 billion in 2023, reflecting 26.5 per cent cumulative growth, and is now adding nearly USD 10 billion every quarter to the state's GDP.
BioPharma remains the anchor with over 40 per cent share (about USD 16.44 billion), driven by biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and diagnostics, it said.
"BioIndustrial biotechnology has emerged as the fastest-growing segment (about USD 11.46 billion, around 29 per cent share), led by fermentation-based industries, biofuels, enzymes and sustainable materials," the report stated.
BioServices accounts for about 25.8 per cent share, while BioAgri contributes to sustainable agriculture and input innovation, it added.
The report said BioEconomy growth is becoming increasingly multi-regional. While Bengaluru Urban accounts for about 54 per cent of the state's BioEconomy, Mysuru contributes around 8.7 per cent, while Belagavi and Dakshina Kannada together account for over 9 per cent. Northern districts remain the Agri-biotechnology belt.
As many as 218 new biotech startups were added in 2025, taking the cumulative total to 1,451 startups, with over 75 per cent focused on life sciences and health-tech. Bengaluru accounts for about 54 per cent of startups, it stated.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, the report stated that Karnataka attracted USD 1.14 billion across around 40 deals spanning BioPharma, MedTech, precision fermentation, digital health and AgriBio.
Minister Kharge said, "With our BioEconomy crossing USD 39 billion and contributing over 10 per cent to our GSDP, biotechnology is no longer confined to laboratories - it is now a central driver of economic growth, industrial innovation and societal impact."
He said that the state government's focus is on building a full-spectrum biomanufacturing economy by supporting deep-tech startups, strengthening innovation infrastructure, and ensuring that growth reaches beyond Bengaluru to every region of the state.
