Mysuru (Karnataka), Nov 11 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged officials to formulate sustainable strategies to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the state. During a press briefing following a meeting at his hometown of Mysuru on Tuesday, the CM highlighted several critical aspects.

“We engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding the man-tiger conflict. I requested officials to conduct a scientific assessment to understand why tigers and elephants venture out of forested areas and to develop long-term strategies,” stated CM Siddaramaiah.

He emphasized the importance of replenishing waterholes in forests, eradicating lantana weeds, and cultivating fodder within the forest to deter wildlife from encroaching into human habitats.

A comprehensive meeting will be organized soon to thoroughly tackle this problem. I instructed officials to come equipped with data and scientific solutions,” he noted.

A helpline has already been established, along with plans for a command center, as reported by CM Siddaramaiah.

He also expressed concern over the rejection of 5,900 out of 7,000 applications under the Forest Rights Act, and was informed that many of these rejections were under review due to insufficient justification.

Departments were tasked with ensuring access to clean drinking water and electricity in tribal settlements, while treating forest inhabitants with compassion and respect.

CM Siddaramaiah warned: “Should any human fatalities occur due to negligence or lack of coordination from officials, strict repercussions will follow.”

In addition, it was mandated that each hostel under the Social Welfare Department appoint a nodal officer responsible for overseeing food quality, educational conditions, and building safety, under district and taluk-level oversight.

While 16 tribal hamlets in H.D. Kote taluk have been granted electricity connections, the supply remains inconsistent. Numerous issues such as drinking water, housing, Anganwadi centers, ration distribution, and marketing of forest products were extensively deliberated, with CM Siddaramaiah urging forest officials to act with empathy.

CM Siddaramaiah cautioned: “Any form of arrogance displayed by forest officers is intolerable. Do not act with blind indifference. Show compassion and humanity.”

Upcoming meetings will also engage the Food, Minority, Backward Classes, and Social Welfare Departments to evaluate hostel conditions and food quality. “Failure to adhere to guidelines will result in strict disciplinary action,” he warned.

He directed officials to promptly issue caste and income certificates without undue delays.

There are currently 673,050 beneficiaries under the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme in Mysuru district, with 100% payment completed as of the end of July, as stated by CM Siddaramaiah.

Concerns regarding the education index in the district dropping from 7th to 14th place have led officials to formulate an action plan for improvement. “The results must enhance in the next evaluation. Otherwise, DDPI and BEOs will be held accountable,” the CM warned.

“Despite providing free milk, meals, uniforms, shoes, bananas, and scholarships, school enrollment has decreased by 2.5% compared to last year. It is imperative to improve the quality of teachers and increase enrollment,” he directed.

CM Siddaramaiah concluded: “My primary focus lies on health and education. Mysuru will receive all necessary support and funding, however, there must be no decline in performance or efficiency. I take this matter seriously — you must as well.”