Climate change is our next major challenge: Minister Eshwar Khandre

Mysuru

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre emphasised that “climate change and human-wildlife conflict are among the most pressing challenges of our time”, and called for greater awareness and coexistence with wildlife.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board held in Mysuru on Monday, the minister noted that shrinking forest areas and expanding human settlements have intensified human-wildlife conflicts.

“Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. It is essential to educate people, especially children and those living near forest areas, about the importance of coexistence,” he said. He urged forest officials and non-governmental organisations to take up this awareness work actively.

Referring to the recent death of Rajasekhar in a tiger attack in Saragur taluk, Khandre expressed condolences and assured that the government stands with the bereaved family and will provide compensation as per norms.

Mysuru to become a plastic-free city

The minister said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared Mysuru as a single-use plastic-free city. He called upon officials and local bodies to work together to achieve this goal, urging citizens to carry cloth bags to markets instead of using plastic carry bags.

Addressing climate extremes

Khandre highlighted the growing threats of climate change and global warming, noting that natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe.

“Two years ago, a landslide occurred in Shirur, Uttara Kannada, and floods devastated Wayanad in Kerala. To prevent such calamities, we must protect our natural environment,” he said.

He warned that rainfall patterns have become erratic — with a month’s rain falling in a week, a week’s rain in a day, and sometimes a day’s rain in an hour — leading to floods. “We must grow more trees and conserve forests to mitigate these impacts,” he added.

The minister also pointed out that temperatures are rising sharply during summers, citing recent heat-related deaths among pilgrims during the Hajj and in northern India. “Afforestation is the only way to reduce rising temperatures,” he asserted.

Remembering Indira Gandhi’s vision

Khandre paid tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, recalling her as a visionary leader whose environmental laws and conservation initiatives helped preserve India’s forests and wildlife.