Fri Mar 07 15:03:09 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Budget Allocates ₹117 Crore to Combat Man-Animal Conflict, Boost Green Cover
**Bengaluru, March 7, 2025** – The Karnataka state budget, announced today, includes a significant allocation of ₹117 crore to address man-animal conflict and enhance green cover. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted key initiatives, including an increase in ex-gratia payments for human lives lost to wild animal attacks from ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
A major investment of ₹20 crore will establish a Wild-elephant Soft Release Centre within the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, spanning 20 sq km. Existing elephant and leopard task forces will continue operations, receiving ₹17 crore in funding. Furthermore, ₹60 crore is earmarked for the construction of 150 km of railway barricades over the next two years to mitigate man-elephant conflict, adding to the 392 km already completed.
The budget also emphasizes increasing green cover. Ambitious plantation projects aim to cultivate 213 lakh plants across 28,494 hectares of forest land and 3.5 lakh plants in 1,200 hectares of non-forest areas.
To combat climate change, the Karnataka Forest, Wildlife and Climate Change Mitigation Foundation (KFWCCMF) will be formed, partnering with environmentally conscious corporations and social reformers. These measures demonstrate the state government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
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