The nod for the proposed Kamasamudra Wildlife Sanctuary which is coming up in forests of Malur and Bangarpet taluks, Kolar district, is likely to be given after the reconstitution of the State Wildlife Board.
The Chief Minister is ex-officio chairman of the Board and Forest Minister is vice-chairman. The Congress government, which came to power two months ago, is yet to reconstitute the board. It is also yet to appoint co-vice chairman, the post held by former international cricketer and wildlife enthusiast Anil Kumble. Sources told Express that wild elephants from Tamil Nadu are coming to forests in Malur and Bangarpet taluks in search of food.
Earlier, the pachyderms from Hosur and Krishnagiri were visiting these forests twice or thrice in two years. The old migratory route from Malur-Bangarpet-Kuppam still exists and the elephants take this route whenever there is a shortage of food.
Sources said the proposal to declare Kamasamudra Wildlife Sanctuary has to be scrutinised by a sub-committee of the Wildlife Board and then it will be forwarded to the state government for its formal approval. Permission from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests is not required since the reserve forests already exists in Malur and Bangarpet areas. Even settlement of rights has been done long ago, sources added.
"The members of the sub-committee will visit the place and take a look into the availability of resources," they added.
When contacted, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Ajay Mishra told Express that once Kamasamudra forest is notified as wildlife sanctuary, the Forest Department would deploy staff, step up vigil by setting up anti-poaching camps and intensifying patrolling. Elephant-proof trenches would be dug and solar fences will be laid to prevent wild elephants from raiding fields and entering human habitation.
"According to our observation, Malur and Bangarpet forests seem to have become a regular joint for elephants from Tamil Nadu to spend time. Steps are being taken to prevent them from coming inside villages," he added.
Mishra said there is a need for wildlife sanctuary at Kamasamudra forest due to the presence of various kinds of wild animals. The forest cover will be increased by planting saplings after notifying it as wildlife sanctuary, he added.
