Bengaluru: In the midst of the ongoing Valmiki and MUDA scandals, the Karnataka government is likely to make another controversial decision aimed at providing gun licenses to shepherds.. On July 19, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the deputy commissioners of all districts to issue gun licenses to nomadic shepherds across the state. During a high level meeting chair by himself at Vidhana Soudha on July 19 Siddaramaiah issued directives according to official sources.
In addition, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the Forest Department to dismantle fences surrounding forests to allow space for sheep to graze. This directive has drawn criticism from forest officials and wildlife experts. Currently, the government has not issued any official order or guidelines regarding these instructions. However, the implementation of this directive by the deputy commissioners could lead to significant disputes.
Despite the backlash, the government has defended its decision. Officials argue that sheep are the primary asset of nomadic shepherds, who often face challenges in protecting their livestock while traveling between towns. Thieves frequently target their sheep, causing financial losses. Moreover, while some areas provide abundant grazing fodder, others lack sufficient nutrition for the sheep. Clearing forest fences, the government argues, would ensure better grazing opportunities and nutrition for the sheep, leading to healthier livestock and benefiting the shepherds economically.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of this move during a meeting with deputy Commissioners. He reportedly stated that improved grazing conditions would help the sheep grow healthier and fatter, ultimately supporting the livelihood of the shepherds.
While the intention is to support the nomadic shepherds, the decision has sparked controversy due to potential environmental impacts and the lack of formal guidelines. As the debate continues, the government may need to balance the interests of nomadic communities with those of environmental conservation and wildlife protection.
Speaking to Organiser on Saturday a deputy conservator of forests on condition of anonymity told that the government is really taking controversial decision. This would definitely fuel human-animal conflict to escalate further. ‘’ If live stock allowed inside forests the wild animals would face shortage of fodder. The domestic animals would transmit diseases to wild animals how to identify them and treat ? he questioned.
Wild life experts and environmentalists took strong objection to the proposal of the state government.
Speaking to Organiser , Bengaluru based environmentalist Joseph Hoover told that remaining wildlife and forests are our last bastion of hope, and we must safeguard them at all costs. Wild animals rely solely on forests for sustenance, whereas domesticated cattle have multiple options. The government must adopt a scientific approach to address this critical issue,” he urged.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 came into force to prevent use of forest areas for grazing domestic animals. The act’s Section 35(7) explicitly prohibits livestock grazing in national parks,” he added.
The Wildlife Protection Act’s Section 35(7) states, “No livestock grazing is permitted in national parks, and no livestock may enter except as a vehicle for authorized individuals.”
“Moreover, Section 33(b) empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to regulate, control, or prohibit grazing within sanctuaries. While the government’s intentions may be well-meaning, they contradict the principles of wildlife and forest conservation.
According to section 34 of the wild life protection act every arms licensed holder residing with in radius of forest areas should furnish details with local forest authorities. Even there is restriction to issue new gun licenses to the people residing near by forest areas.
‘’ Shepherds were given gun licenses and allow them to venture into forests for grazing definitely they kill leopards which attacks sheeps’’ Hoover said. Theere is clear guidelines in the law to issue gun licenses. The license holder should have property and should have a place to keep the gun safe. But shepherds lacking the safe place , which may further cause misuse of weapons by poachers. This would further complicates the issues and does not help nor serve any purpose to protect environment .the government should take expert opinion before making any decision in this regard ‘’he added.
