Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has requested a detailed report from the additional chief secretary (ACS) of the forest, ecology, and environment department in Bengaluru regarding the alleged escape of a lion from its enclosure at Rani Channamma Nisargadhama, a mini zoo in Bhootaramanahatti, Belagavi on September 27. A chief conservator of forests has been appointed to lead the inquiry.
While forest officials denied the incident, rumors circulated that the lion had escaped into the visitor area, prompting security personnel to evacuate all guests. Sources claimed that forest staff tranquilized and returned the lion to its enclosure.
Officials, however, maintained that the lion never left its enclosure and that the event was simply an attempt to vaccinate the animal. Minister Khandre criticized the incident as an example of negligence by the concerned personnel. “Fortunately, no harm was done,” he noted in his letter to the ACS.
Khandre also raised concerns about the recent felling of trees on the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) office premises, which was done under the pretext of beautification. Ministers and other notable figures reportedly planted some of the trees. Additionally, the minister sought clarification on forest personnel participating in Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Jayanti celebrations without wearing uniforms, with images of the event circulating on social media.
DCF Maria Christu Raja D told reporters he had yet to receive the minister’s letter but would respond once he does, adding that he had already addressed the tree-cutting issue.
