Wildlife conservationist urges anti-poaching camp revival in Belagavi

A wildlife conservationist from Belagavi is asking the Karnataka government to reopen anti-poaching camps in the region. Giridhar Kulkarni sent a letter to Meenakshi Negi, the head of the forest force, urging the filling of staff vacancies and the revival of inactive camps. Kulkarni highlighted that the forests in Khanapur taluk are home to many protected species like tigers, leopards, and Asiatic elephants. He noted that these forests are in the Western Ghats, a key area for biodiversity. The region’s wildlife also extends beyond Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary to several other ranges, which border other districts and states, complicating their protection. In his letter, Kulkarni pointed out that many anti-poaching camps and check posts in Khanapur and surrounding areas are currently empty. This lack of staff has led to increased incidents of smuggling and hunting. He emphasized the urgent need for more personnel, especially as the summer months bring heightened risk of forest fires. Kulkarni also expressed concern about insufficient staffing in many ranges, citing the Kanakumbi range as an example with only two Beat Foresters. He criticized the lack of funding for essential conservation activities despite budget allocations for afforestation projects nearby. He concluded by urging swift action from the government to strengthen these camps and provide necessary funding to protect the wildlife in the area. He attached photos of the closed anti-poaching camps to illustrate the problem.