Forest conservation only way to stop wildlife intrusion: VC

Madikeri: Forest conservation is the only lasting solution to prevent wildlife from straying into villages along forest fringes, said RC Jagadish, vice-chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga.Speaking at a national symposium at Ponnampet Forest College, Jagadish said wild animals are increasingly being sighted in villages bordering forests due to large-scale forest destruction. He stressed that protecting forests is a shared responsibility of both the govt and society.He noted that forest cover in India has declined from 35% before Independence to 25% today, while Sri Lanka has managed to maintain 35% forest cover.Describing the Western Ghats as a biodiversity-rich region, Jagadish said it is under severe threat from development activities and agricultural expansion, including road and bridge construction. He pointed out that the damage is particularly severe in Shivamogga district, though relatively less in Uttara Kannada. He added that nearly 80% of medicinal plants are found in the Western Ghats, calling it India's richest forest region after the Brazilian Amazon.Referring to the state's 10 identified forest zones, he suggested that Ponnampet Forest College could take up focused research and conservation work in one of these zones.Forest College dean Devagiri said wildlife threats can be reduced only through forest conservation and stressed the need to protect forest and land health, which are being degraded daily.Kodagu Model Forest Trust president CG Kushalappa said the trust was established in 2005 to conserve Kodagu's sacred groves and urged students to make use of the trust's support for research.Speaking virtually, state principal secretary for forests BP Ravi warned that any LPG shortage triggered by the Gulf War could lead to large-scale tree felling for firewood within three to four months. He said such signs are already visible in Bengaluru, where people are queuing at firewood depots.Ravi said forests are deteriorating due to constant human pressure, including vehicle movement, mining and human intrusion. He noted that teak plantations spread over 1,060 acres, raised for economic purposes, were cut down, and stressed that preventing plastic pollution and promoting natural forest growth are collective responsibilities.