Latest news with #EshwarB.Khandre
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Min orders round-the-clock vigil in human-wildlife conflict zones
Yadgir: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed senior forest officials to maintain constant surveillance in areas prone to human-wildlife conflict and take all necessary measures to protect human lives and farmers' crops. Expressing deep sorrow over the death of two individuals in Balehonnur, Chikkamagaluru district, within a span of four days, the Minister instructed that forest officials must act swiftly when elephants are spotted in human habitats. He emphasized that locals must be alerted immediately and urgent efforts made to drive the elephants back into the forest. 'Despite ample availability of food and water inside forests due to ongoing rains and overflowing lakes, elephants are still entering villages. Authorities must examine why and ensure such incidents don't repeat,' Khandre said. Orders for immediate repairs and monitoring The Minister acknowledged reports of elephant trenches being filled due to heavy rains, and solar fences and tentacle fencing damaged or broken, compromising safety. He directed forest officials to urgently repair and maintain these barriers, and instructed forest patrol teams to submit regular reports on their condition. Noting the increased fatalities caused by elephants, Khandre revealed that approval had been granted for additional railway barricades. A detailed project report must be prepared, work should begin immediately, and be completed within the set timeframe to safeguard people and crops, he said. Conflict expanding to new areas Highlighting that human-elephant conflict is now spreading to previously unaffected regions, the Minister urged a comprehensive study on the reasons behind this expansion. He said that in such cases, support from elephant rapid response teams from nearby districts should be sought, and rogue elephants should be captured if necessary. Command centre and weekly monitoring Khandre also instructed officials to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for establishing an integrated command center equipped with modern technology to track wildlife movement, send alerts to residents near forest fringes, and prevent casualties. He further directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to hold weekly video conference reviews with zonal officers from all conflict zones, and take timely action based on field updates. Risk allowances and staff welfare Minister Khandre stressed the need to ensure timely payment of salaries, risk allowances, and food stipends to frontline contract staff. He warned that if any complaints are received in the future, responsibility will lie directly with the concerned Divisional Forest Officer and Assistant Conservator of Forests. The virtual review meeting was attended by senior officials including Forest Force Chief Meenakshi Negi, PCCF P.C. Ray, Manoj Rajan, and others.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
KKCCI seeks early environmental clearance for PM-Mitra Mega Textile Park
The Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) has urged Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre to expedite the process of granting environmental clearance for the proposed PM-Mitra Mega Textile Park in Kalaburagi district. A delegation of KKCCI office-bearers, led by its president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa and secretary Shivraj V. Inginshetty, met the Minister at the State-run Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House during his visit to Kalaburagi on Friday (July 26, 2025) and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention. In the memorandum, the Chamber reminded the Minister that although the prestigious PM-Mitra Mega Textile Park project was sanctioned for Kalaburagi in 2023, there has been little tangible progress on the ground over the past two years. 'The establishment of the Textile Park is crucial for the region's economic growth and industrial development. However, the delay in obtaining environmental clearance has slowed the project. We humbly request the Forest Minister to use his good offices to expedite the clearance process and facilitate the early implementation of the project,' the memorandum stated. Responding to the request, Minister Eshwar Khandre assured the delegation that the government was committed to the industrial development of Kalyana Karnataka and that necessary steps would be taken to resolve any pending issues related to environmental approvals. 'Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre assured us that he would make every effort to remove the hurdles and help ensure that the textile park becomes operational. We are hopeful that he will act on this, keeping in mind the development needs of the region,' Mr. Pappa told The Hindu.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Foundation stone laid for ₹14.75 crore sports complex in Bhalki
Forest Minister and Bidar district In charge Eshwar B. Khandre called upon the youth to stay away from addictions and engage in regular exercise and sports to build a strong and healthy society. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art sports complex being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹14.75 crore at Bhalki in Bidar district on Saturday. 'While sports entertain spectators, they strengthen the minds and bodies of those who play. Sports train your body and sharpen your intellect, as every game demands a strategy, which keeps the brain active. Simultaneously, the will to win keeps the body active. Thus, sports promote holistic growth of both mind and body,' he said. Citing Swami Vivekananda, Mr. Khandre reminded the gathering that 'one can reach heaven more easily by playing football than by reading the Gita', emphasising that physical strength is fundamental to personal and national well-being. 'Health is indeed wealth,' he added. Explaining the purpose behind building the modern sports facility, the Minister said the goal was to encourage rural youth to actively take part in sports and emerge as champions. 'Talented athletes from this region should begin by winning at the taluk level, excel at the district level, and eventually go on to shine at the national and international levels,' he said. He emphasised the need for identifying hidden talent in rural areas and providing the right infrastructure to nurture it. 'This sports complex will provide the necessary environment for youth to train and grow,' he stated. At the end of the programme, Mr. Khandre administered a unique pledge to the youth urging them to commit to daily exercise, refrain from intoxicants such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and digital addictions like mobile gaming and betting, and instead focus on becoming knowledgeable, responsible, and patriotic citizens. The Minister concluded by reiterating that an addiction-free, environmentally conscious, and physically fit youth is the foundation for a vibrant and progressive society.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Manufacture, storage of biodegradable carry bags gets cabinet nod
Bengaluru: The cabinet has approved an important amendment to allow the manufacture, storage, and sale of biodegradable carry bags, announced Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre on Thursday. Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Khandre said that under the 2016 state notification, the manufacture and sale of plastic carry bags, flex banners, posters, plastic plates, cups, and spoons were completely banned. However, with the recent innovation of plant-based biodegradable bags, which decompose within 180 days, the government has now approved a policy change to facilitate their use. He recalled that during a recent meeting of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, he had proposed amending the 2016 notification to align with the 2021 Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules issued by the Union Ministry of Environment. Khandre clarified that the amendment will now permit eco-friendly, biodegradable (compostable) bags, as well as pre-sealed packaging plastic that meets specific safety standards. The decision is in accordance with the Centre's 2021 directive. The move is expected to ease restrictions for industries producing biodegradable alternatives while ensuring that environmental safety remains a top priority. Boundary Revision of Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary okayed The Cabinet has approved a proposal to revise the boundaries of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary located across Shivamogga, Tirthahalli, and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced on Thursday. Khandre said that the sanctuary was originally notified in 1974 with a designated area of 395.60 sq. km. The revision will now officially define the sanctuary's area as 396.165 sq. km, without reducing the original extent. The Minister explained that when the sanctuary was first declared in November 1974, it inadvertently included infrastructure and human settlements such as roads, bus stands, inhabited villages, patta lands, and areas earmarked for Sharavathi backwater rehabilitation. To resolve issues and reduce inconvenience to local residents, the Forest Department decided to revise the boundaries while maintaining ecological integrity. The proposal was sent to and has been approved by the National Board for Wildlife, clearing the path for formal re-notification of the revised limits. This update is expected to improve both wildlife protection efforts and community relations in the region, striking a balance between conservation and local development.
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- The Hindu
Tiger deaths at M.M. Hills: Govt suspends DCF Chakrapani
The State government has suspended Chakrapani Y., Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) M.M. Hills Wildlife Division for dereliction of duty and negligence in the case of the unnatural death of five tigers — a mother and her cubs — in the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on June 26. On July 4, Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre had ordered the suspension of Assistant Conservator of Forests Gajanana Hegde of M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, and Range Forest Officer-cum-Surveyor Madesh while recommending the suspension of Mr. Chakrapani who is an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer for dereliction of duty and negligence in the above case. On June 30, the three officers were sent on compulsory leave until further notice. On Monday the State government issued an order suspending the IFS Officer following a high-level inquiry committee report on the death of the tiger and her cubs. 'In exercise of the powers under Rule 3(1) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, Chakarapani Y., IFS, DCF, MM Hills, Wildlife Division, Kollegal, is placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry. During the period of suspension, the officer shall be paid subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 4 of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.' the order stated. 'During the period of suspension, the officer shall not leave the headquarters under any circumstances without the written permission of the state government,' it added.
