Wildlife advocate demands better security in Khanapur forest

Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has called on the Karnataka Forest Department to improve security measures in the Khanapur forest area. He is concerned about rising threats like smuggling, hunting, and encroachment in this ecologically important region. Kulkarni has written to Meenakshi Negi, the principal chief conservator of forests, about the need for better anti-poaching camps (APCs) and check posts. He mentioned that many APCs in key forest areas, including Londa and Kanakumbi, are not staffed or functioning properly. He highlighted the issue of abandoned camps, such as the Daroli APC, especially given the presence of endangered animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants. Kulkarni also noted the lack of personnel in critical zones, pointing out that Kanakumbi Range has only two beat foresters and a few deputy range forest officers. Additionally, he expressed worries about insufficient funding for forest conservation in Khanapur taluk. Kulkarni is urging the government to take quick action to restore APCs, provide enough staff, and allocate the necessary budget to protect the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.