Soon, leopard and bird sanctuary at Bannerghatta

BANGALORE: “The state government plans to earmark Rs 50 crore to set up leopard, reptile and bird sanctuary at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP),” said Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar. Speaking at the inauguration of an arch of the park, Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar said, “The BBP already provides tight security for animals and birds and special attention is being given for the conservation of leopards and reptiles.” He further said, “To create awareness on how to behave with animals, a Wildlife Learning Centre will be set up in the state. Also, training camps will be held in schools and colleges to educate students.”When asked about the increasing elephant menace in the state, he said, “Due to the mining activities at Kanakapura and Chikkaballapur, wild elephants are entering the nearby villages and creating ruckus. We are trying to find parallel solutions apart from imposing a break to mining. Solar-based fences will come up in forest boundaries.”He also said that a conference on elephant menace is scheduled to be held and the decisions taken there will be implemented soon.