Karnataka forest minister orders probe into death of tiger caught in snare
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday ordered an inquiry into the death of a three-year-old tiger that was caught in an illegally set snare on private land near the forest boundary in the Metikuppe range of Nagarahole National Park.
Expressing grief over the death of the tiger that happened earlier in the day, the minister has directed that an inquiry be conducted into the incident by a team led by the Chief Conservator of Forests.
According to a statement by Khandre's office, the minister has also instructed officials to take action if any lapses are found in patrolling by forest staff, initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for setting the snare, and ensure removal of such traps from lands adjoining forest areas to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Despite repeated government instructions to remove snares, prima facie negligence on the part of officials and staff is evident, he said, adding that a probe has also been ordered into possible lapses in patrolling.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
