Minister Warns of Perilous Future as Mysuru Goes Plastic-Free

According to the Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, human-wildlife conflicts are on the rise in Karnataka as forest areas shrink and residential zones expand. The Minister emphasized that coexistence with wildlife has become a pressing need. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, the Minister stated that wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and called for educating the public, especially those living in forest-fringe areas, about the importance of coexistence.

The Minister also highlighted the devastating effects of climate change, noting that excessive borewell digging, tree felling, and high-rise construction have led to oxygen depletion. He cautioned that if action is not taken, the future will be perilous, pointing to the recent landslides in Uttara Kannada and Wayanad as examples of the consequences of environmental degradation. The Minister emphasized the need for large-scale tree planting and forest conservation to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Amidst these challenges, the Minister announced that the Chief Minister has declared Mysuru a single-use plastic-free city, urging officials and citizens to work together to achieve this goal. The Minister also recalled the foresight of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whose environmental and wildlife protection laws have helped preserve forests and ecosystems across India.