Wildlife Sanctuary Faces Deforestation as Government Considers Diversion

On November 5, 2025, the Standing Committee of the State Wildlife Board, chaired by Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, made several decisions regarding the management of Karnataka's protected wildlife areas.

The committee has recommended forwarding a proposal to divert 0.976 hectares of forest land from the Sharavathi Lion-tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for approval. This proposal was submitted to the state government through the Parivesh portal last September.

Additionally, the committee approved various road construction and widening projects linked to the Sharavathi Lion-tailed Macaque Sanctuary, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone, and the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. However, the approval comes with the condition that the project plans ensure no harm to the local wildlife.

Minister Khandre has directed that all future project approvals in forest and wildlife sanctuary areas must include mandatory measures to reduce risks and ensure the safety of wildlife. He has also ordered a CID investigation following reports that a group of individuals illegally filmed and photographed three newborn tiger cubs using vehicle headlights in the Bedaguli forest area of the Biligiri Ranganatha Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district.

Furthermore, the minister has instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to invite former Indian cricket team captain Anil Kumble, who is the ambassador of the Karnataka Forest Department, to attend future meetings for wildlife conservation efforts.