Thu Jul 24 14:49:50 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre’s directive to ban livestock grazing in all Karnataka’s forest areas has sparked widespread criticism, especially in the Malnad region. Politicians across party lines and local residents argue that the directive is impractical given the region’s geography and traditional way of life where villages are interwoven with forests. They suggest the minister lacks understanding of the ground reality and should consult with locals before implementing such policies.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Forest Minister’s Grazing Ban Draws Ire in Malnad Region**
Shivamogga, July 24, 2025 – A directive issued by Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to ban livestock grazing in all state forest areas has triggered a wave of protest, particularly from the Malnad region. The order follows the death of five tigers at the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary last month.
Politicians, including former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra (BJP), have slammed the decision as unrealistic. “It seems that the Forest Minister does not know about cattle rearing. A majority of the villages in the Malnad region are in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is not possible to restrict cattle from entering the forest areas,” Jnanendra stated during a press conference. He also questioned the Forest Department’s inability to prevent wild animals from entering human settlements, citing a recent fatal elephant attack.
Former Minister and BJP leader Hartal Halappa echoed similar sentiments. “In the Malnad region, people live amidst forests. Cattle entering the forest areas is quite common here. It is unfortunate that we don’t have a person from the Malnad region as the Forest Minister.”
The opposition extends beyond the BJP, with Congress leaders like Jayanth Bedur and G.T. Sathyanarayana expressing strong disapproval. Bedur criticized the directive as “foolish” and born out of a lack of understanding of the regional landscape. Sathyanarayana called for the Minister to hold discussions with the local population to understand their concerns before implementing such sweeping policies.
The backlash highlights the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the livelihood of communities that have traditionally relied on forest resources. The debate raises questions about the practicality and impact of blanket bans in regions where human and animal habitats are closely intertwined.
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