Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday directed officials to plug any technical gaps in Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, saying Tamil Nadu was attempting to raise objections before the Supreme Court on “minor pretexts” to delay the project.Chairing the Standing Committee meeting of the Karnataka State Wildlife Board at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar instructed officials to examine whether any minor technical issues existed in the project proposal and address them promptly so that such objections could be effectively countered.During the meeting, the CM also ordered the resumption of safari and eco tourism activities in Bandipur and Nagarahole national parks with strict safety measures in place. Officials informed the meeting that tiger and leopard density in designated safari zones was higher than in areas witnessing severe human wildlife conflict. Shivakumar said tourist safety should not be compromised while restarting safari operations.The meeting also discussed growing human wildlife conflict in Ramanagara and Channapatna taluks of Bengaluru south district. Forest officials said the BMIC corridor had disrupted traditional movement routes of elephants, tigers and leopards, forcing wildlife to move out of forests into human habitations.Officials further pointed out that while clearance for the Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway had included conditions to provide underpasses, overpasses and wildlife corridors, these provisions were not fully implemented during construction.The CM also directed officials to urgently identify and remove hazardous trees and branches within the Greater Bengaluru Area after members of the standing committee flagged delays in implementing earlier directions, saying public safety should be given top priority.
