Karnataka Forest minister directs officials to initiate measures to check human-animal conflict
Bengaluru (PTI): In view of the recurring tiger attacks in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Wednesday directed officials to install cameras along forest fringes and alert local residents in advance about tiger movement through round-the-clock monitoring.
Chairing a meeting on human-animal conflict here, Khandre said that farmers working in their fields and plantations are being attacked by wild animals.
A statement issued by the minister's office said, Khandre instructed that cameras be installed near human settlements and farmlands to issue timely warnings and prevent loss of lives and crops.
The minister called for both short-term and long-term solutions, including thermal surveillance and intensified patrolling.
He further ordered that the most conflict-prone villages around Bandipur and Nagarahole forests be identified, and forest watch camps established every five to six km, involving local youth for monitoring.
Khandre directed that rescue teams with elephants be rushed immediately whenever a tiger attacks livestock.
Injured or aged tigers should be captured and treated appropriately, he said.
He also instructed the appointment of senior officers as nodal officials to camp in conflict zones and resolve issues on the ground.
The minister announced the formation of an expert committee to study the ecological carrying capacity of wildlife habitats and the causes for animals straying into human areas. Based on the committee's report, suitable action would be taken, he said.
Khandre also highlighted the spread of invasive weeds such as Lantana and Senna, which have reduced fodder availability for herbivores, forcing elephants out of forests.
He directed that these weeds be scientifically removed, and that best practices from other states be studied and adopted.
Khandre's direction came following four people killed within a span of a month in Mysuru district in tiger attack, two deaths in tusker attack.
Also, two tigers and their three cubs were poisoned to death in Chamarajanagar after they preyed on cattle.
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UP: Girl raped by two youths, juvenile at Banda hotel, all accused held
Banda (UP) (PTI): A 15-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly abducted and gang-raped at a hotel here by two youths and a minor, who then abandoned her under a bridge, police said on Thursday.
The two youths involved in the crime were arrested, and the juvenile was apprehended on Wednesday, they said.
According to Atarra Circle Officer Praveen Yadav, the arrested have been identified as Mahesh Kushwaha (18), Shakti Singh (19), and a 15-year-old boy, all residents of Girwan.
He said the incident took place around 8.30 pm on Tuesday.
The complaint filed by the girl's father stated that his daughter had gone to the market in Atarra town with a friend, when the three accused on a motorcycle made her inhale some intoxicant. They took the semi-conscious teenager to a hotel on Station Road, committed the crime and then abandoned her under the Ken Canal bridge before fleeing, CO Yadav said.
A case was registered on Wednesday, and all the accused were held, the CO said.
He added that one of the arrested accused was a former acquaintance of the victim. RUK
