Bangalore:
Bangaloreans' long wait for the night safari appears to be all in vain. The ambitious Rs 180 crore project in Bannerghatta National Park, proposed by tourism ministry headed G Janardhana Reddy, did not find favour with the new minister for forests CH Vijayashankar.
"I feel the very concept of introducing night safari in a wild habitat is wrong. Already, we have made enough intrusion into their (animal kingdom) life and invaded their home (forest). I personally do not like to invade any more. So, it will not be appropriate to allow night safari in the Bannerghatta national park," he said on Friday.
"I know night safari was the favourite idea of tourism minister G Janardhan Reddy. But I am confident of making him understand that animals too have their rights. He too has the utmost concern for protecting environment. I will take up this matter with chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and request him for cancellation of the proposal," he said while reviewing the functioning of the department in the presence of chief minister BS Yeddyurappa.
"Sometime back, when he (Reddy) had planned a ropeway for Chamundi hills, I was the first person to oppose it. When I met him and explained my concerns, he immediately agreed and scrapped the proposal," he said.
Handling forest department is the most challenging one as illegal mining has reached alarming proportions in Chamarajnagar and Mysore districts, in general, and Kollegal, in particular, he said. Hence, focus would be on protecting the state's mineral resources, he said.
"These two districts have the richest mineral deposits and forest cover. However, they had also been the worst victims of deforestation and illegal mining. Therefore, I am going to tackle those who are indulging in such illegal activities with an iron hand," he said.
Later, the minister made a surprise visit to the BBP and held a meeting with senior forest officials and members of Zoo Authority of Karnataka. He was briefed about the condition of tigers by the Zoo Authority member secretary MN Jayakumar and executive director of BBP Millo Tago. He also visited the rescue centre and personally supervised the treatment procedures for tigers being carried out by the vets.
"The loss of tigers is indeed tragic. Vets have informed that the cause of death was due to bacterial infection. I've directed them to control its spread. All measures have been taken to ensure high degree of hygiene at the safari and rescue centre. A total of 14 vets are working round the clock. As far as funds are concerned, the government is ready to help the activities of the park. Already, Rs1.4 crore has been given to the Zoo authority for various programmes," the minister said.
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