Karnataka orders closure of all trekking paths in human-wildlife conflict zones
Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed officials to temporarily suspend all trekking routes and movement paths passing through areas frequented by wildlife following the death of a 10-year-old boy in a leopard attack in the Nagamale forest of Chamarajanagar district.
Taking into account the safety of the public and trekkers, the minister has ordered that all trekking and transit routes in areas inhabited by leopards, tigers, elephants, bears and other wild animals, as well as locations where incidents of human-wildlife conflict have been reported, should remain closed until further orders. An official circular has been issued in this regard.
Khandre has also instructed that trekking activities should be conducted only in a safe and responsible manner and that the recently issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be followed strictly.
He said trekking activities should be suspended in any location that is not adequately prepared to comply with the SOPs.
The minister has directed that trekking activities undertaken under the supervision of the Karnataka Forest Department and the Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board may resume only after all necessary preparations are made to ensure compliance with the SOPs.
In connection with this, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden have issued two separate circulars.
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Hijab decision taken out of fear of Karnataka Muslim convention, alleges Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru: Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Karnataka government announced its decision on the hijab issue out of fear of the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 16 organized by Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations.
Addressing a press conference at the JD(S) state office, GP Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Thursday, Kumaraswamy said he respects all religions and has expressed his views on the issue on several public platforms in the past.
Questioning the timing of the government’s move, he said the Congress has been in power for three years and had taken no decision on the hijab issue during that period.
He alleged that the decision was taken only because the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ is scheduled to be held at Town Hall in Bengaluru on May 16.
“If the government had the courage, it should have taken this decision immediately after coming to power. Why did it remain silent for three years?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy accused the Congress of making the announcement to appease a particular community.
He further said the matter is still pending before the courts and claimed that an interim order relating to the hijab issue remains in force.
According to him, issuing such an order before the legal proceedings are concluded amounts to disrespect towards the judiciary.
Kumaraswamy also alleged that the Congress brought the issue back into focus after the Davanagere by-election results.
