Bengaluru, 2 Oct

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Thursday expressed sorrow over the recent death of tigers, peacocks and monkeys in the State.

“The recent deaths of five tigers in Male Mahadeshwara Hills, 20 peacocks in Midigeshi of Madhugiri, and 19 monkeys in Bandipur is a deeply painful event that has increased the responsibility of wildlife conservation,” he said at the inauguration of 71st Wildlife Week on the steps of Vidhana Soudha.

“Such shocking incidents should never be repeated. Conservation of wildlife is not only the responsibility of the forest department staff but also of every citizen,” he said.

He said that Karnataka is ranked No.1 in the country in terms of elephant population, with 5,395 elephants. The State also has 563 tigers, placing Karnataka second in India for tiger numbers.

“However, in Male Mahadeshwara Hills, in a single day, one per cent of the tigers died due to poisoning. This is a heart-wrenching incident," he rued.

"Green cover in Bengaluru City is being increased. Along with this, a vast botanical garden on the model of Lalbagh is being established on 153 acres at Madappanahalli. In Hessarghatta, 5,678 acres of land has been declared as a protected grassland," Khandre said.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former cricketer and State wildlife ambassador Anil Kumble, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Meenakshi Negi, Chief Wildlife Warden PC Ray, and others.