Minister orders plastic checks, wildlife protection at Kukke temple

Mangaluru: Forest minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered the check posts at all four entry roads to Kukke Sri Subramanya temple to inspect single-use plastics.

Speaking to the media after visiting Kukke Temple on Tuesday, the minister expressed concern over seeing plastic bottles and plates discarded along the roadside. He immediately instructed officials to set up check posts and conduct inspections in two phases.

On an issue related to deemed forests in the state, Khandre said, to resolve this issue, a joint survey is being conducted with the revenue department. The revenue department have been on strike for a few months, and there is a shortage of surveyors, as reported by Udupi deputy commissioner. Special staff is being appointed for the joint forest survey, and discussions will be held with the revenue minister regarding this, he said.

On the human-wildlife conflict, the minister said forest officials have been instructed to take measures in this regard. Modern equipment, including drones, is being used to monitor wildlife movement. A command center has been opened, he said.

“Thousands of devotees visit Kukke Subramanya. To prevent wildlife attacks on them, additional traps should be set up in areas with leopard problems, trench work should be completed to prevent elephants from entering, and solar fencing should be installed,” he instructed.

Khandre instructed that local bodies should monitor this, inspect waste water treatment plants, and issue warnings to those discharging untreated waste into the river. If the offence is repeated, criminal cases should be filed, he added.

To a query, the minister said that cabinet expansion is at the discretion of chief minister and that he would not answer speculative questions.