Grazing ban applies only for cattle brought from other states, not locals: Min. Khandre clarifies
Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwara B. Khandre has clarified that forest dwellers and tribal communities who hold rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, are permitted to graze their cattle in forest areas. However, a restriction has been imposed on the mass grazing of cattle brought in from neighbouring states.
In a press statement, Khandre emphasized that as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves are strictly off-limits for human encroachment and domestic animal grazing.
He acknowledged that certain forest communities in Karnataka have traditionally followed grazing practices for years, and added that the government is taking a gradual approach to curb such activities.
As a part of this approach, local villagers are being made aware of ecological concerns and encouraged to rear high-yielding hybrid cattle instead. They are also being supported to cultivate green fodder on their patta lands, reducing the dependence on forest grazing.
According to the Animal Husbandry Department, around 33,000 cattle are being grazed in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary alone. This mass movement of livestock into the forest is reportedly depriving wild animals such as elephants, bison, deer, and sambars of grass and water. There's also a growing risk of contagious diseases like foot-and-mouth, lumpy skin disease, and anthrax spreading from cattle to wildlife.
Minister Khandre noted that while restrictions are being enforced as per law, exemptions will be made for locals who have rights under the Forest Rights Act. In Chamarajanagar, for instance, the Forest Department has already distributed high-yielding cows to about 10–15 farmers under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund to reduce dependence on forest resources.
He added that such alternatives would be introduced gradually for those who rely solely on grazing livestock in forests for livelihood. The goal is to eventually persuade them to stop grazing cattle, goats, and sheep in forest areas altogether.
Khandre also referenced a recent judgment by the Madras High Court that categorically banned cattle grazing in Tamil Nadu's forest lands. Since that ruling, thousands of cattle from neighbouring states have reportedly been brought into Karnataka forests, causing overgrazing, degradation of vegetation, and increased human-wildlife conflicts.
The situation had even escalated to instances of poisoning wild animals. Given these alarming developments, strict legal action was deemed necessary, Khandre added.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
