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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Omarzai powers Afghanistan to 5-wicket win over UAE
New Delhi (PTI): Azmatullah Omarzai produced an all-round show to power Afghanistan to five-wicket win over United Arab Emirates in their Group D T20 World Cup fixture here on Monday.
Omarzai first returned with figures of 4/15 to help restrict UAE to 160 for 9.
He then played a match-winning cameo of 40 not out after Ibrahim Zadran scored 53 to take Afghanistan to their first win in the ongoing edition.
For UAE, Sohaib Khan scored his second consecutive fifty, smashing 68 off 48 balls while Alishan Sharafu contributed 31-ball 40.
Brief Score.
UAE 160 for 9 in 20 overs (Sohaib Khan 68, Alishan Sharafu 40; Azmatullah Omarzai 4/15).
Afghanistan 162 for 5 in 19.2 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 53; Azmatullah Omarzai 40 not out; Muhammad Arfan 2/30, Junaid Siddique 2/23).
