Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued several guidelines to prevent human-animal conflict and provide support to the people affected by it, while disposing of a petition filed by Karnataka Growers' Federation.

Among other measures, the division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice M G S Kamal directed that a grievance cell for receiving complaints about wild animals venturing into human habitats be established in every taluk.

The HC also directed the establishment of elephant corridors for the movement of wild elephants. The state government was also directed to provide adequate resources to the forest department including human resources, vehicles and infrastructure to prevent human-animal conflict.

The court issued directions on establishing 24/7 control rooms and sending warning messages in bulk to people in areas where wild animal threats are noticed. The control rooms should be connected to the nearest health centres and hospitals for treating people injured in conflict with wildlife.

Senior officials of the forest department should meet every quarter to discuss issues related to human-wildlife conflict and initiate necessary measures, the HC said. The Range Forest Officers and Tehsildars should meet every two months compulsorily to discuss these issues.

The HC also directed the authorities to popularise the grievance cells among the public by issuing necessary public announcements and also publishing it on the notice boards of all gram panchayats.

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Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.

After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.

Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.

Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.

The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.

Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.