Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre said in Chamarajanagar on Sunday that the spate of tiger attacks in recent times could be attributed to the rise in their population amidst a decline in forest space to accommodate them.Mr. Khandre interacted with farmers and other stakeholders in Chamarajanagar to elicit public opinion and suggestions so as to reduce human-animal conflict in the region. The meeting followed three tiger attacks within a span of two weeks, which killed two farmers and injured another.The Minister said that in 1972, Bandipur had only 12 tigers, whereas its population was pegged at 153 as on date. “The rise in the tiger population and the decrease in forest space available for them has worsened the problem,” he added.Mr. Khandre said that about 55 to 60 people die in Karnataka each year due to wild animal attacks. In 2021-22, 41 people were killed — 28 by elephants, two by tigers, and 11 by other wild animals. In 2022-23, 57 people were killed — 32 by elephants, five by tigers, and 20 by other animals; whereas in 2023–24, 65 people were killed — 48 by elephants, five by tigers, and 12 by other animals.Further, Mr. Khandre said that in 2024–25, 46 people lost their lives — 36 from elephant attacks, two from tiger attacks, and eight from attacks by other wild animals; while in 2025-26, 30 people have been killed so far in wild animal attacks, including 20 by elephants and fpur by tigers.Responding to complaints posed by farmers, Mr. Khandre said that the government has not permitted any illegal homestays or resorts, or unlawful stone quarrying in any forest area of the State. “If any clear complaint is received regarding illegal quarrying, homestays, or resorts operating within forest areas, strict action will be taken without any leniency,” he added.The Minister said that a two-member expert committee has been constituted by the department to study as to why wild animals are entering human settlements, and to find possible solutions for the same. “In addition, the suggestions given by farmers and the public in today’s meeting will be compiled, discussed, and implemented,” said Mr. Khandre.Farmers sought higher compensation for crop loss due to wildlife depredation, and Mr. Khandre said that the issue will be discussed with the Chief Minister.Integrated command centreAn integrated command centre will be established and modern technology will be harnessed to address conflict situations, the Minister said. Modern technologies and communication systems will be used to provide alerts to the public about the presence of wildlife, he added.Noting the paucity of veterinary support which was being provided through the Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Khandre said that a proposal has been submitted to create a separate cadre of wildlife veterinarians and make direct appointments.K. Venkatesh, Minister in charge of Chamarajanagar district; H.C. Mahadevappa, Social Welfare Minister; Ganesh Prasad, A.R. Krishnamurthy, Anil Chikkamadu, Darshan Dhruvanarayan, and C. Puttarangashetty, MLAs; C.N. Manje Gowda, MLC; Shilpa Nag, Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner; G. Lakshmikant Reddy, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner; Meenakshi Negi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; P.C. Rai, Chief Wildlife Warden; and senior forest officials were present.Published - November 02, 2025 07:23 pm IST