Latest news with #EshwarB.Khandre
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Foundation stone laid for ₹14.75 crore sports complex in Bhalki
Forest Minister and Bidar district In charge Eshwar B. Khandre called upon the youth to stay away from addictions and engage in regular exercise and sports to build a strong and healthy society. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art sports complex being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹14.75 crore at Bhalki in Bidar district on Saturday. 'While sports entertain spectators, they strengthen the minds and bodies of those who play. Sports train your body and sharpen your intellect, as every game demands a strategy, which keeps the brain active. Simultaneously, the will to win keeps the body active. Thus, sports promote holistic growth of both mind and body,' he said. Citing Swami Vivekananda, Mr. Khandre reminded the gathering that 'one can reach heaven more easily by playing football than by reading the Gita', emphasising that physical strength is fundamental to personal and national well-being. 'Health is indeed wealth,' he added. Explaining the purpose behind building the modern sports facility, the Minister said the goal was to encourage rural youth to actively take part in sports and emerge as champions. 'Talented athletes from this region should begin by winning at the taluk level, excel at the district level, and eventually go on to shine at the national and international levels,' he said. He emphasised the need for identifying hidden talent in rural areas and providing the right infrastructure to nurture it. 'This sports complex will provide the necessary environment for youth to train and grow,' he stated. At the end of the programme, Mr. Khandre administered a unique pledge to the youth urging them to commit to daily exercise, refrain from intoxicants such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and digital addictions like mobile gaming and betting, and instead focus on becoming knowledgeable, responsible, and patriotic citizens. The Minister concluded by reiterating that an addiction-free, environmentally conscious, and physically fit youth is the foundation for a vibrant and progressive society.
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Manufacture, storage of biodegradable carry bags gets cabinet nod
Bengaluru: The cabinet has approved an important amendment to allow the manufacture, storage, and sale of biodegradable carry bags, announced Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre on Thursday. Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Khandre said that under the 2016 state notification, the manufacture and sale of plastic carry bags, flex banners, posters, plastic plates, cups, and spoons were completely banned. However, with the recent innovation of plant-based biodegradable bags, which decompose within 180 days, the government has now approved a policy change to facilitate their use. He recalled that during a recent meeting of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, he had proposed amending the 2016 notification to align with the 2021 Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules issued by the Union Ministry of Environment. Khandre clarified that the amendment will now permit eco-friendly, biodegradable (compostable) bags, as well as pre-sealed packaging plastic that meets specific safety standards. The decision is in accordance with the Centre's 2021 directive. The move is expected to ease restrictions for industries producing biodegradable alternatives while ensuring that environmental safety remains a top priority. Boundary Revision of Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary okayed The Cabinet has approved a proposal to revise the boundaries of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary located across Shivamogga, Tirthahalli, and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced on Thursday. Khandre said that the sanctuary was originally notified in 1974 with a designated area of 395.60 sq. km. The revision will now officially define the sanctuary's area as 396.165 sq. km, without reducing the original extent. The Minister explained that when the sanctuary was first declared in November 1974, it inadvertently included infrastructure and human settlements such as roads, bus stands, inhabited villages, patta lands, and areas earmarked for Sharavathi backwater rehabilitation. To resolve issues and reduce inconvenience to local residents, the Forest Department decided to revise the boundaries while maintaining ecological integrity. The proposal was sent to and has been approved by the National Board for Wildlife, clearing the path for formal re-notification of the revised limits. This update is expected to improve both wildlife protection efforts and community relations in the region, striking a balance between conservation and local development.
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- The Hindu
Tiger deaths at M.M. Hills: Govt suspends DCF Chakrapani
The State government has suspended Chakrapani Y., Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) M.M. Hills Wildlife Division for dereliction of duty and negligence in the case of the unnatural death of five tigers — a mother and her cubs — in the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on June 26. On July 4, Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre had ordered the suspension of Assistant Conservator of Forests Gajanana Hegde of M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, and Range Forest Officer-cum-Surveyor Madesh while recommending the suspension of Mr. Chakrapani who is an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer for dereliction of duty and negligence in the above case. On June 30, the three officers were sent on compulsory leave until further notice. On Monday the State government issued an order suspending the IFS Officer following a high-level inquiry committee report on the death of the tiger and her cubs. 'In exercise of the powers under Rule 3(1) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, Chakarapani Y., IFS, DCF, MM Hills, Wildlife Division, Kollegal, is placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry. During the period of suspension, the officer shall be paid subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 4 of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.' the order stated. 'During the period of suspension, the officer shall not leave the headquarters under any circumstances without the written permission of the state government,' it added.
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
300 acres of encroached forest land cleared at Bukkapatna wildlife sanctuary
Tumakuru: In a major conservation effort, 300 acres of encroached land within the Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary in Tumakuru district were cleared today, as confirmed by Eshwar B. Khandre, Karnataka's Minister for Forests, Ecology, and Environment. The cleared land includes 209 acres of reserve forest in Muthugadahalli and additional forest land previously handed over to the horticulture department. The operation was conducted under the leadership of the Chief Conservator of Forests of the Hassan-Tumakuru division, with support from the police department. The land in question, located in Survey No. 46 of Muthugadahalli Ambarapura, was originally declared as forest land by the Mysuru Maharajas in 1926 under the Mysore Forest Act. However, over the years, parts of this forest were illegally allotted to individuals and encroached upon. The matter was taken to the Karnataka High Court, which ordered the preservation of the area as forest land. Despite court orders, revenue officials failed to cancel the illegal land allotments, prompting a complaint to the Lokayukta. Acting on the Lokayukta's directives, the encroached land was recently re-notified in the name of the Forest Department, making today's clearance operation possible. Minister Khandre emphasized that forest land cannot be diverted for any other purpose unless officially denotified and urged officials and the public to understand and uphold this principle. He extended his congratulations to the officers and forest staff involved in the successful operation and reaffirmed the government's commitment to forest conservation.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Forest Department clears 300 acres of encroachment in Tumakuru district
The Forest Department cleared 300 acres of encroached land in the Muthugadahalli reserve forest in the Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary in Tiptur sub-division of Tumakuru district. This includes 209 acres of forestland and also land given to the Horticulture Department by the Forest Department. Given by Mysore kings Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Thursday said that the Maharaja of Mysore had given the land in Survey No. 46 in Muthugadahalli Ambarpur to the Forest Department in 1926 under the Mysore Forest Act. 'However this forestland was illegally allotted to some people. Some others had encroached on it. A case had been registered in the High Court and an order was issued to save it as a forest,' the Minister said. A complaint was also filed with the Lokayukta after Revenue officials failed to cancel the illegal sanction. Lokayukta's instructions The Minister said that as per the instructions of the Lokayukta, the land had been registered in the name of the Forest Department and the encroachment had been cleared. The encroachment drive was conducted under the supervision of the Chief Conservator of Forests of Hassan-Tumakuru division with the support of the police.
