Bengaluru, 8 Oct

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday warned that strict action will be taken against those who kill wildlife. The CM’s warning came in the wake of the poisoning of two tigers and four tiger cubs to death in Male Mahadeshwara hills in Chamarajanagar district and the electrocution of an elephant in Channapatna in Ramanagara district a few days ago.

Speaking after presenting the Chief Minister's medals to Forest and Environment Department personnel at the valedictory of the 71st Wildlife Week celebrations, the chief minister said, "If forests survive, the earth will survive. Forests and wild lives are inseparable, and those who destroy them will face the consequences. Whoever attempts to destroy forests or kill wildlife will face strict legal action. No matter how influential they are, the law will not spare them," he said. 
The chief minister said the Wildlife Week is being observed to promote the idea of coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Pointing out that Karnataka ranks first in elephant population and second in tiger population in the country, Siddaramaiah said, "There must be harmony between animal life and human life. Studies must be undertaken to understand why wild animals are straying out of forests, and we have to find scientific solutions to prevent conflict."