Wed Dec 03 13:41:28 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Karnataka State Forest Department is implementing a new e-Patrolling software to enhance forest surveillance and protection. This system will track the real-time movements of frontline staff, providing patrol routes, timings, and coverage information. The goal is to improve ground readiness, identify gaps in forest protection, and mitigate increasing human-wildlife conflict. Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre emphasized the importance of effective patrolling, community engagement, and resource allocation for conflict reduction during a review meeting in Kollegal. The focus is on areas like Bandipur, where tiger populations exceed the forest’s carrying capacity. Initiatives include establishing patrol camps, quick response teams, community outreach programs, and allocating funds to villages on forest fringes.
News Article:
Karnataka Forests Go Digital: New E-Patrolling System Aims to Curb Human-Wildlife Conflict
MYSURU, December 3, 2025 – Karnataka’s forests are set to receive a technological upgrade with the implementation of a new e-Patrolling software designed to bolster surveillance and protect wildlife habitats. The system, developed by the State Forest Department, will provide real-time tracking of frontline staff, including patrol routes, timings, and coverage, allowing for improved monitoring and identification of gaps in forest protection efforts.
The announcement came from Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre during a review meeting with officials from Mysuru and Chamarajanagar forest circles in Kollegal earlier today. Khandre emphasized the critical role of effective patrolling as a first line of defense in mitigating the growing human-wildlife conflict across the state.
“The rise in wildlife populations, particularly in areas like Bandipur where the tiger population exceeds carrying capacity, demands innovative solutions,” Minister Khandre stated. “This e-Patrolling system, which can be integrated with existing programs like M-STRiPES, will enable us to respond quickly and efficiently to potential conflicts.”
The new initiative includes the establishment of temporary patrol camps every five kilometers in villages near forests, ensuring rapid response times when wildlife is sighted near human settlements. The Minister also stressed the importance of community engagement, proposing outreach programs led by skilled communicators and NGOs to address the concerns of those affected by wildlife conflicts.
Furthermore, Khandre announced the allocation of one-third of tiger foundation funds to villages on forest fringes and the implementation of mock drills to educate children on how to react during wildlife encounters. A.R. Krishnamurthy, MLA, Manjunath, MLA, and senior forest department officials were also present at the meeting.
The implementation of the e-Patrolling system signals a significant step towards modernizing forest management in Karnataka and proactively addressing the challenges posed by increasing human-wildlife interaction.
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