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The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
Forest department begins health assessment of elephants for Mysuru Dasara
Preparations for the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations have commenced with the Forest Department initiating health checks on elephants that are expected to be shortlisted for this year's festivities. The world-famous Dasara procession, celebrated for its royal tradition and cultural grandeur, prominently features caparisoned elephants led by the howdah elephant carrying the Golden Ambari. According to a press release from the Forest Department, a team headed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) is visiting various elephant camps to identify and appraise suitable jumbos. During these visits, health conditions of elephants are being assessed to ensure they are physically fit to participate in the festivities. After the preliminary selection, veterinarians will conduct detailed health examinations of the shortlisted elephants. As part of the health assessment process this year, pregnancy tests for all female elephants are being conducted. The samples have been sent to laboratories for confirmation. Based on the lab reports, a final list of elephants suitable for the festivities will be prepared in consultation with higher authorities, and the report will be sent to the government for approval, the press release stated. Upon receiving the government's approval, the Forest Minister will announce the official list of elephants chosen to participate in this year's Mysuru Dasara. The list is expected to be released after July 20. Following this, arrangements for their transportation to Mysuru will begin. Traditionally, once the elephants are finalised, they are brought to Mysuru from Veeranahosahalli in Nagarahole forests as part of the Gajapayana ritual on a designated date, marking the ceremonial start of their journey. The elephants usually arrive in two batches. Upon their arrival, the Forest Department and the Mysuru Palace Board make comprehensive arrangements for their accommodation at the Mysuru Palace premises, where temporary sheds, bathing facilities, veterinary care, and tight security are provided. The elephants undergo training under their mahouts and kavadi assistants, to acclimatise them to the festive atmosphere and crowds they will encounter during the grand procession. In 2024, the Forest Department selected 18 elephants, out of which 14 participated in the Dasara festivities. The elephant team last year comprised: Abhimanyu, 58 years – howdah elephant; Dhananjaya, 33; Mahendra, 41; Bheema, 24; Gopi, 42; Prashantha, 51; Sugreeva, 42; Kanjan, 25; Rohit, 22; Ekalavya, 39 – participating for the first time, along with Varalakshmi (68); Lakshmi (23); Doddaharave Lakshmi (53) and Hiranya (47). Of these, five elephants were from the Dubare camp, four from Mattigodu, three from Ramapura, and one each from Bheemakatte and Doddaharave camps. The first batch to arrive last year included nine elephants led by Abhimanyu, while the second batch comprised Prashantha, Mahendra, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, and Hiranya. With the selection process now underway, all eyes will be on the majestic elephants which will make Mysuru their home for nearly one and half months, preparing for the grand festivities.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Tiger deaths: MM Hills officials, panel conduct spot inspection
Mysuru: As part of the probe into the deaths of five tigers at MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary on June 26, the committee formed by the government, sanctuary authorities and Kollegal police on Tuesday conducted a spot inspection along with three accused and recreated the scene of crime. The committee formed by the government is headed by APCCF Kumar Pushkar. The team must submit a report to the govt within two weeks. Meanwhile, G Santhosh Kumar, who was given additional charge as DCF of MM Hills, took charge on Tuesday. The DCF visited the spot as part of the probe. Konappa, Maduraja and Nagaraj were arrested on charges of killing the tigers — four cubs (three female and one male) and the mother tigress — by poisoning. The accused told the investigating team that to avenge the killing of their cow by the big cat, they sprayed poison over the carcass, knowing that the tiger would return to the kill to eat the leftovers. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
News18
2 days ago
- News18
'This'll Hit Tiger Population': How MM Hills Tragedy Is 'Black Day' In Karnataka's Conservation History
Last Updated: The death of four eight-month-old cubs and their mother is the highest single-day tiger mortality recorded in Karnataka since the launch of Project Tiger in India The MM Hills tragedy, in which five tigers – four eight-month-old cubs and their mother – were found dead, marks a black day in Karnataka's wildlife conservation history. It is the highest single-day tiger mortality recorded in the state since the launch of Project Tiger in India. What's worse, officials confirmed it was a result of revenge poisoning and a massive administrative failure. Heads have rolled, with three senior officers – including deputy conservator of forests Y Chakrapani, assistant conservator of forests Gajanana Hegde, and deputy zonal forest officer Madhesh – being sent on compulsory leave pending investigation. 'MOTHER, CUBS SIGN OF SUCCESSFUL CONSERVATION' Retired principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Braj Kishore Singh, who once served as DCF in the Kollegal division, described the collapse as both a conservation failure and an intelligence breakdown. 'This will have an impact on the tiger population, no doubt," he said. 'In any conflict, it's always the tiger that pays the price. This mother and her cubs were a sign of successful conservation. The administration failed to safeguard them." Singh explained that camera traps had picked up the same tigress as far back as 2022. 'She was spotted then with her earlier litter of four cubs. She would've been around eight years old. Now she was 11 and had given birth again. The new cubs were said to be about eight months old." A tigress's lifespan in the wild rarely exceeds 10 to 11 years. 'She was at the end of her life. An older tigress loses speed, strength, even the sharpness of her canines. She gets pushed out by younger tigers and is forced to hunt easy prey – livestock, dogs. She likely moved to the edge of the forest to avoid conflict. The forest staff should've picked up her movement and warned villagers. But that basic intelligence was missing." Three of the four cubs were females and so the opportunity for them to breed and help build the tiger populations was also snuffed out by this act of revenge. A strongly worded letter from forest minister Eshwar Khanduri, who called the incident as 'utter negligence". 'The fact that five tigers were found dead just 100 metres from the road but went unnoticed by the forest department staff for two days is regarded as a very serious lapse in forest and wildlife conservation," it said. 'Despite an anti-poaching camp being located just 800 metres from the site, no protective action was taken. Additionally, reports that frontline outsourced staff have not been paid their salaries and allowances for the past three months have severely affected patrolling efforts," the note said. The ministry found prima facie negligence by the DCF, ACF, Zonal and Sub-Zonal Forest Officers, and patrol staff. 'Hence, the government has deemed it essential to take strict action," the note stated. Separate action is also being initiated by the chief conservator of forests, Chamarajanagar Circle, against lower-level staff and a detailed investigation has been ordered. Action is also being taken against the sub-zonal forest officer-cum-surveyor and the patrol personnel of the concerned branch by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar Circle. Three persons – Konappa, Madaraja, and Nagaraj of Koppa village – who admitted to poisoning the tigers have been sent to judicial custody until July 3 as the forest department continues its investigations into the matter. FAMILIAR PROBLEM: CATTLE CAMPS RAMP Local residents in Meenyam and Hoogyam, remote settlements near the Tamil Nadu border, are no strangers to this cycle. Singh said, 'These are cattle-heavy areas, connected by walkable mud roads. Earlier, cattle camps had been a serious problem, but they had reduced over the years. Now, they're back – and they're undoing all the gains." This region has a half-century history of tiger population decline directly linked to these camps. 'They were deep in the forest, well supplied with fodder and water, and had a devastating ecological impact. Once they dwindled, tiger numbers started to recover. This tigress was part of that revival. But now it looks like we're back to square one." 'THESE ANIMALS WERE THE FUTURE' 'This wasn't electrocution, which we see more often. This was poisoning. A targeted killing. Of five tigers at once. That is a complete breakdown of field-level monitoring," said an official from the forest department. On June 26, forest minister Eshwar B Khandre announced a state-level committee comprising additional principal chief conservator of forests Kumar Pushkar, NTCA representative Srinivasalu, and conservationist Sanjay Gubbi. top videos View all Amid outrage, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) also formed a two-member special investigation team (SIT) comprising Harini V (AIG, NTCA Bengaluru) and Thenmozhi V (AIG, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, South Region) with a deadline of two weeks to submit a report to NTCA, Delhi. Yet, forest veterans and senior conservationists insist that this time, only a judicial probe will ensure accountability. 'These animals were the future of MM Hills' fragile tiger landscape," said Singh. 'It took us years to see a tigress breed here again. Now we've lost her — and her entire litter." tags : poaching tigers wildlife conservation Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: July 01, 2025, 07:30 IST News india 'This'll Hit Tiger Population': How MM Hills Tragedy Is 'Black Day' In Karnataka's Conservation History
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Need help paying rent, electricity or buying food in South Florida?
Many families in South Florida are struggling financially. If you're having trouble paying rent, keeping the lights on, or putting food on the table, several federal, state and local programs offer assistance. Here's how to access them. If you're struggling, you're not alone—these resources can provide real relief when you need it most: Rental assistance Miami-Dade PHCD Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Phone: 305-723-1815. Apply here Broward County The main rental program has ended, but emergency funds are still available through nonprofit partners. More info here Palm Beach County Offers temporary assistance for rent and utility payments. Official site Also available: Miami-Dade's rental waitlist is open offers up to $500 to help seniors pay rent. Utility assistance LIHEAP – Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Provides direct payments to power companies like to $1,300 per year per is given to households with seniors, children, or people with through your local county or community center. Where to apply: Miami-Dade: Apply hereBroward: More infoPalm Beach: More info Food assistance SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) Monthly benefits on an EBT card for use at supermarkets, farmers markets, and even via the DCF MyACCESS portal: Apply here TEFAP – Free Food Distribution The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides free fresh and canned foods through Feeding South Florida and other food one near you Cash assistance Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Monthly cash support for pregnant people or those with be used for rent, food, and basic through be used alongside SNAP and Medicaid. Not sure where to start? Call 211 Dial 211, available 24/7 in English and Spanish, across all South Florida be connected to local services for housing, food, employment, mental health, and can also visit: Documents needed to apply Valid IDProof of income or unemploymentRecent utility or rent billsProof of residency (lease or utility bill) Note that help is available, but programs vary by county and may only run while funds last.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Tiger deaths at M.M. Hills: DCF, ACF sent on compulsory leave
The Forest Department has sent the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of M.M. Hills Wildlife Division on compulsory leave following the death of five tigers — a mother and its cubs — in the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on June 26. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) in an order issued on Monday sent DCF Chakrapani Y. and ACF Gajanana Hegde on compulsory leave until further notice. Not noticed The order said that despite the carcass of five tigers being found just 100 metres from an asphalt road, it did not come to the attention of the department staff for two days which was considered a very serious lapse in forest and wildlife conservation. It also said that the carcasses were found just 800 metres from an anti-poaching camp. The order also said that non-payment of salaries and allowances to the frontline outsourced staff also hampered the patrolling. 'Prima facie it is found that the reason for this [death] is the negligence of the DCF, ACF, Zonal Forest Officer and Sub-Zonal Forest Officer and patrol personnel of the M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, and an investigation is required; action is being taken separately against the Sub-Zonal Forest Officer-cum-Surveyor and patrol personnel of the branch concerned at the level of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar Circle, Chamarajanagar,' the order stated. The department has also given additional charge to officers for the above posts. Investigations The State government has also constituted a high-level committee to probe the tiger deaths. The committee has been directed to submit a report in 14 days. Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Monday said that disciplinary action would be taken if any negligence of any officer was found in the case. Disciplinary action was likely to be taken following the completion of the investigation and submission of the investigation report. Forest officials have arrested three persons who were allegedly directly involved in the poisoning of the tigers. The three accused have been arrested under the relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1969. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also ordered a probe into the incident and constituted a Special Investigation Team for the purpose.
