Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre proposes sterilisation of select wildlife species

Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre proposes sterilisation of select wildlife species, advocating for public debate on this controversial measure.

Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said there is a need to regulate the population of some wildlife species owing to increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict.

He said there is a need to consider measures such as sterilisation or administering injections to control the reproductive capacity of select wildlife species.

He said that while wildlife conservation is important, there is also a need to prevent loss of human life due to man-animal conflict.

The Minister said that this measure is only a proposal, and that there should be a larger public debate on the issue.

“This is not a decision, but only a proposal for consideration. There is a need for public discussion on the matter. Since a related case is pending before the Supreme Court, discussions will be held with experts and legal professionals, and a meeting with senior officials will be convened to decide on submitting a proposal to the court,” Mr. Khandre said on April 8.

He added that in areas where the population of certain wildlife species has increased drastically, there should be a plan to consider controlling their growth for a year or two.