Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: Outcry among tribals as Forest Dept clears dwellings in Nagarahole tiger reserve, and more

The Forest Department of Karnataka carried out an operation in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on June 18 to clear new constructions that had come up overnight even as tribals and activists cried foul over the move. The incident is a fallout of the long-drawn dispute between the Forest Department and the tribal communities who have alleged that their claims under the Forest Rights Act have been rejected by the authorities.

The authorities said 52 families are claiming rights over the forest land, but available documents indicate that there was no hamlet by the name of Attur Koli in the records. The activists claim that the village or hamlet has been mentioned in the Muzaffar Assadi Committee report and the local people have ration cards, death certificates, school certificates mentioning their village as Karikallu Atturu Koli village.

After the opposition BJP and JD(S) slammed the ruling Congress in Karnataka for ‘favouring’ Gujarat-based Amul over Nandini, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has been instructed to submit applications to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to open its outlets in eight stations in Bengaluru.

Mr. Shivakumar said, “BMRCL had called for a global tender, and Amul was the lone applicant. We have instructed KMF to submit its application to BMRCL. KMF will open Nandini outlets in eight metro stations.” He added: “Amul has already opened its outlets in two metro stations. It is not appropriate to close down the existing outlets.”

The outflow from the Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district was increased to over 25,000 cusecs on June 18, prompting a flood warning for people living downstream. The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) has appealed to residents along both banks of the river to avoid going near the water and to shift, along with their domestic animals and cattle, to higher ground for safety.

The Superintending Engineer of Hemavathi Project has also issued a warning to people downstream of the Hemavathi reservoir, located at Goruru in Hassan taluk, to be alert as the crest gates of the dam can be opened to release excess water. As of June 18, the water level stood at 2,911.35 ft and the inflow was 19,546 cusecs. The water level was 10.65 ft short of the maximum level.

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on June 17, 2025, said that he would seek an explanation from the Ministry of External Affairs over the denial of clearance for his scheduled trip to the U.S. He said he was holding back from making public statements and would enquire with the Union government about the denial of approval for his trip once he returns to Bengaluru.