Bangalore: In the wake of the Valmiki and MUDA scandals, the Karnataka government is stirring controversy with a new directive aimed at supporting nomadic shepherds. On July 19, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed deputy commissioners across the state to issue gun licenses to shepherds. This decision, announced during a high-level meeting at Vidhana Soudha, also includes a directive to dismantle fences around forests to facilitate grazing for sheep.

This move has been met with significant criticism from forest officials and wildlife experts. Currently, there are no formal orders or guidelines detailing these instructions, which has raised concerns about potential disputes and environmental impact.

The government has defended the decision by highlighting the challenges faced by nomadic shepherds in protecting their livestock from theft and ensuring adequate grazing. Officials argue that dismantling forest fences will improve grazing conditions and nutritional intake for the sheep, thus benefiting the shepherds economically.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that better grazing conditions would lead to healthier and fatter sheep, ultimately supporting the shepherds' livelihoods. However, this decision has sparked controversy due to potential environmental repercussions and the lack of formal implementation guidelines.

Forest officials and wildlife experts have expressed strong objections. An anonymous deputy conservator of forests warned that allowing livestock into forests could escalate human-animal conflicts. He noted concerns about the depletion of fodder for wild animals and the risk of disease transmission from domestic animals to wildlife.

Environmentalists have also criticized the proposal. Joseph Hoover, a Bengaluru-based environmentalist, argued that the remaining forests and wildlife are crucial for ecological balance. He stressed that domestic cattle have alternative grazing options and that the government should adopt a scientific approach to address these issues. Hoover pointed out that the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 prohibits livestock grazing in national parks and sanctuaries, emphasizing that the government's directive contradicts conservation principles.

According to Section 35(7) of the Wildlife Protection Act, livestock grazing is prohibited in national parks, and only authorized individuals may bring livestock into these areas. Furthermore, Section 33(b) empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to regulate or prohibit grazing within sanctuaries.

Hoover also raised concerns about the issuance of gun licenses to shepherds, citing that such licenses could lead to misuse and potentially increase poaching. He stressed that shepherds, who may lack secure storage for firearms, could inadvertently contribute to further environmental harm.

The debate continues as the Karnataka government faces the challenge of balancing the needs of nomadic communities with environmental conservation and wildlife protection. The lack of formal guidelines and the potential for significant ecological impact underscore the need for careful consideration and expert input before implementing such directives.

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