Shocked by 82 tiger deaths in 5.5 yrs; Min. Eshwar Khandre orders 10-day report on causes, poaching
Bengaluru, Jul 1 (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Tuesday directed officials to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days on tiger mortality across the state over the last five-and-a-half years.
The directive follows his shock over media reports claiming the death of 82 tigers in Karnataka over the past five-and-a-half years.
Khandre has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to investigate each death specifying how many were due to natural causes, unnatural circumstances and what were the reasons behind it.
The Minister has also wanted to know if any investigation was conducted and a report was received in cases of unnatural death of tigers.
"Khandre has also asked the officials to report if any of these tigers were mutilated after death for body parts such as claws and canines and if any action was taken against the staff and officials in case of negligence?," the Minister's office said, in a statement.
He also sought information on the number of people arrested and convicted in connection with tiger killing and poaching cases so far.
In addition, the Minister asked for details on ongoing investigations related to tiger killings and the reasons for the delay.
Officials concerned have been given 10 days to submit a comprehensive report containing all the details.
Following reports about the alleged killing of a leopard in the Ramapura-Martalli border of Cowdalli range of the Chamarajanagara district last month, the Minister has ordered an investigation into the incident, which will be headed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The decision was taken following reports suggesting that the leopard died in the MM Hills jurisdiction just weeks before the killing of a tigress and her four cubs.
"It is being alleged that the leopard's legs were amputated after death and if it is confirmed, the minister has instructed the official concerned to take action against those officers and staff responsible for this and submit a report within seven days," he added.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
