40 people killed every year in Karnataka due to wildlife attack

Bangalore, Oct 15 (UNI) About 35 to 40 people were killed every year in Karnataka due to wildlife attacks and the issue of man and wildlife conflicts needs to be tackled immediately, Governor Rameshwar Thakur said today.

Speaking on the occasion of 53rd Wildlife Week celebration here, he said, "on an average, about 35-40 persons were killed every year in Karnataka due to wildlife attacks and the State pays around Rs two crore per year as wildlife compensation. This issue has to be tackled immediately both on short term and long term basis to prevent antagonising people against wildlife conservation." He said that all steps necessary to protect man against attacks of wild animas, and the lives of the wildlife being threatened due to man's greed need to be taken with equal emphasis. Rehabilitation of people, especially the tribals, who are evacuated from National Park areas, had to be done on a voluntary and priority basis.

"These displaced people have to be provided with the best kind of benefits including land both for dwelling and farming. The Supreme Court has also been very strict on this count and has come out with innovative steps against those who are responsible for disturbing our flora and fauna in the wilderness," he said.

Extending his full support to the cause of conservation of the Wildlife and forest areas, the Governor called upon the people to do their best for the survival of the wildlife and forests because survival of man-kind was dependent on the survival of these very important elements.

Air Deccan Managing Director G R Gopinath, speaking on the occasion, called for including environment and wildlife in the curricula at the University level. "Education is totally cared for increasing production and the need for maintaining Ecology and protecting environment has taken back seat. Ecological sustainability and environment friendly is a great challenge and younger generation should be taught to look into for overall benefit of the mankind".

Legislative Assembly Speaker Krishna called for strict implementation of law to punish the poachers who were posing threat to wildlife and forest reserve in the State. "If the wildlife week was observed as a ritual it will not help. Law should be implemented strictly", he added.

UNI