BENGALURU, India — The recent deaths of a tigress and her cubs in MM Hills have sparked significant concern among conservation advocates and wildlife experts, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into similar incidents impacting big cats and elephants in the region. As the National Tiger Conservation Authority mobilizes a special investigation team (SIT) and the Karnataka state government establishes an oversight committee, critics emphasize the need for an independent judicial inquiry.
Over the past three years, a troubling pattern has emerged, with elephants, tigers, and leopards succumbing to various threats, including electrocution, poisoning, and poaching. Despite multiple inquiries and task forces, stakeholders claim that little has changed, and there has been a frustrating lack of accountability for those responsible for wildlife oversight.
On June 26, the NTCA outlined its response by forming a two-member SIT, composed of Harini V, an Assistant Inspector General, and Thenmozhi V, an Assistant Inspector General of Police from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The team has been tasked with delivering a comprehensive report within two weeks, targeting the NTCA’s headquarters in New Delhi.
Simultaneously, Karnataka’s Forest, Environment, and Ecology Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced the formation of a committee to delve deeper into the issue. This body includes Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar and other representatives, aiming to bring a more focused approach to the crisis. However, critics like former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Avani Kumar Verma, argue that without an external or judicial inquiry, the potential for unbiased results remains bleak.
Verma raised concerns about the nature of these internal committees, suggesting that those working within the forest department may be hesitant to hold their peers accountable. “Over the years, despite countless wildlife deaths, no official has faced consequences. The establishment of various committees has often led to unsatisfactory resolutions,” he stated.
Echoing these sentiments, retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests BK Singh emphasized the importance of involving experts from outside the state. This would ensure a fair and impartial analysis of the situation, something that local officials may struggle to achieve due to inherent biases.
Dr. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, the Additional Director General of Forests and Member Secretary of the NTCA, noted that trends indicate that human-wildlife conflicts are intensifying due to growing populations near forested areas. “We cannot dismiss the possibility of poisoning being a factor. Many of these incidents appear to be retaliatory, as local communities and wildlife grapple for space and resources,” he said.
The series of unfortunate events and the mounting public outcry may push state officials to reconsider their strategies for wildlife protection. Public sentiment is increasingly leaning towards transparency and accountability, which conservationists hope will foster more effective measures to safeguard India’s rich biodiversity.
In a nation where wildlife is both a cultural treasure and an ecological necessity, the need for action has never been more urgent. The outcome of the SIT and the newly formed committee could have lasting implications for wildlife conservation efforts in Karnataka and beyond.