Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of adopting a firm stance against forest encroachments during a ceremony on Tuesday, where he distributed medals to 49 forest personnel in recognition of their efforts in protecting forest lands. The Chief Minister underscored the need for a stringent approach to safeguard forest areas and address the increasing man-animal conflict.

Firm Stand on Encroachments

In his address, Siddaramaiah highlighted that the preservation of forests is crucial to mitigate the ongoing man-animal conflicts, which arise when wildlife ventures into human habitats in search of food and water. “The man-animal conflict can be checked only when wildlife get food and water inside forest areas. Protecting forests requires a stern attitude as shown by Indira Gandhi in bringing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Similarly, forest officers need to be stern to prevent encroachments,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that protecting forests is a collective responsibility of all citizens. He noted that the duties of the forest personnel who received awards have now increased, urging them to continue their efforts with renewed vigour. Siddaramaiah also expressed confidence in Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre’s ability to bring about significant changes in forest conservation, provided that all officials collaborate effectively.

Encroachments and Habitat Destruction

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, who also spoke at the event, pointed out the detrimental effects of forest encroachments, particularly for quarrying and commercial purposes. He noted that these activities have led to the destruction of natural habitats, exacerbating the man-animal conflict. “People complain that leopards are straying into human habitats. They say peacocks are destroying crops. Habitats of some of the animals is not thick forest but what seems like barren hillocks,” Khandre explained, adding that disturbances in such areas are fuelling conflicts.

Khandre also discussed the challenges faced by the forest department due to the man-elephant conflict, a significant issue in Karnataka. He highlighted the state’s efforts in building railway barricades as a protective measure. So far, 333 kilometres of barricades have been constructed, with work ongoing to cover an additional 101 kilometres. “Every year about 50 persons are killed in the conflict. Railway barricade has proven to be an effective barrier, protecting lives and crops. The department requires Rs 500 crore in the next two years to build a 324-km barricade,” Khandre said.

Recognising Forest Personnel

The ceremony also included the distribution of appointment letters to 267 new forest watchers, with Khandre mentioning that work is underway to fill 540 more forest guard positions.

Among the 49 forest personnel honoured was Sundaresh S J, a forest guard who tragically lost his life while fighting wildfires in the shola forests of Sakleshpur. Other awardees included Manjunath S, a Range Forest Officer (RFO) known for his efforts to prevent encroachments in Hassan, and several other RFOs and forest guards from various divisions across Karnataka.

 Honourees List

  • Sundaresh S J: Forest Guard, Sakleshpur (posthumously)
  • Manjunath S: RFO, Hassan
  • Nagaraj Gouda G: RFO, Ballari
  • Pavitra U J and Varun Kumar S V: RFOs, Bengaluru Rural Division
  • Anil Kumar C N: RFO, Kolar
  • Krishna Pujari: RFO, Gokak Division
  • Savita R Devadiga and Mamata Ganapaiah Patagara : RFOs, Honnavar Division
  • Bharatesh B Valmiki and Pramod B: RFOs, Karwar Division
  • Vishwanath T Naika : RFO, Sirsi Division
  • Prasad K : RFO, Malaiamahadeshwara Wildlife Division, Kollegal
  • Veerendra Maribasannavar : RFO, Gadag
  • Mallappa Bagali: Forest Guard, Dharwad Training Centre
  • Vishwanath: RFO, Kalaburagi
  • Hanamantraya Biradar: Forest Guard, Social Forest, Yadgire
  • Umesh H B : RFO, Virajpet Division
  • Faizur Rahman: RFO, Kudremukh Wildlife Division
  • Prashant: RFO, Mangaluru Division
  • Manjunath MM: Forest Guard, Mysuru Division
  • Santosh Basettiyavar : Forest Guard, Sagar Division
  • Sandeep KR: RFO, Shivamoga
  • Revanasiddaiah B Hiremath: RFO, Research Division

The awards ceremony highlighted the dedication and bravery of Karnataka’s forest personnel, as well as the ongoing challenges they face in protecting the state’s natural resources.