Fearing drought and forest fires in the tiger reserves of Nagarahole, Bandipur and BRT Wildlife Sanctuary this summer, the Forest Department has approached higher-ups to send a team of experts and scientists to assess the situation and suggest remedial measures. The authorities have requested a study on the impact of drought on wildlife this summer and a visit by a team of experts, who would suggest constructive measures, including the funds required.
The Forest Department has decided to hold a one-day workshop on ‘Tiger Conservation’ on Tuesday at Aranya Bhavan in Bangalore involving all top officials of five tiger reserves — Nagarahole, Bandipur, BRT, Bhadra, Dandeli-Anshi and other experts, scientists and researchers.
The meeting will be presided over by A K Verma, PCCF and Head of Forest Force. “Although we cannot anticipate nature’s fury on wildlife and forests, it will be severe and preventing fire is a bigger issue for us than fodder and water which we have enough for now. If fodder and water shortage is severe, most of the animals like deer, wild boars would come out of the forest. Our concern is to prevent fire. Experts must suggest remedial measures, which are essential to prevent ‘vague’ reactions by all sections if any mishap happens,” a forest official said.
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Director R Gokul said that it is high time such a workshop was held as the situation in tiger reserves is very grim. Cultural changes are needed to keep forest intact, the director added.
“My humble request to people is to let us protect and take the ownership of our forests,” he said.