Khandre directs afforestation and conservation measures in Mandya

Mandya: In a decisive move to strengthen environmental protection and address climate concerns, forest minister Eshwar B Khandre directed officials to intensify afforestation efforts and conservation measures across Mandya district.Chairing a meeting with forest officials in Maddur on Friday, he stressed that combating global warming must begin at grassroots level, beginning with a comprehensive survey of roadside trees within Mandya city to safeguard urban green cover.The minister instructed the department to cultivate and distribute high-quality saplings such as teak, sandalwood and honne across seven designated zones, ensuring that farmers receive viable planting material. He emphasised the need for regular follow-up surveys to monitor survival rate of these saplings, warning that mere distribution without accountability defeats the purpose of afforestation.Addressing rising human-wildlife conflicts, Khandre called for immediate measures to tackle leopard encounters and urged forest staff to maintain close coordination with forest-fringe communities. He noted that strong local networks are essential for gathering timely information on forest fires, poaching and illegal tree felling. To curb timber theft, he ordered geo-tagging of valuable species including sandalwood, red sanders, rosewood and teak on both govt and private lands adjoining forest areas.On land management, the minister highlighted delays in finalising forest boundaries and assured the appointment of forest settlement officers where required. He issued directions to remove encroachments exceeding three acres and all illegal occupations after 2015, covering over 2,000 acres in the district.Khandre also announced a review meeting later this month to address mitigation measures for human-elephant conflict, including railway barricading, elephant trenches and solar fencing.
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