Forest cell-cum-paramedic centre to come up in city

To strike a balance between the constant man-beast conflicts, Deputy Mayor Harish joins hands with animal lovers to set up the facility
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Animal lovers will have something more to smile about as south India's first forest cell-cum-paramedic centre for wild animals prepares to open in the city limits on Sunday.

To strike a balance between the constant man-animal conflicts, Deputy Mayor Harish has decided to join hands with other animal lovers and set up the center.


Range forest officer Nagbhushan handed over the documents of forest cell to environmentalist Sharath near Yediyur Lake yesterday

Harish, a self-professed animal lover, and Sharath, an environmentalist, were in the news some time ago for rescuing several camels, which were brought to the city for slaughter.

Sharath has been fighting for a special cell to treat and tackle animal related issues within the limits of corporation from 2006.
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The opening of the forest cell and paramedic centre next to the Yediyur lake is a dream come true for Harish. At the centre, rescued animals will be treated and after being certified fit, will be released in forested areas.

Love for wild
"I have a soft corner for wildlife and have done a lot of rescue work. I and other animal lovers have joined hands and come up with a forest cell and pediatric centre and this one, is the first of its kind in south India," Harish said.

The city witnessed a rise in the arrests of animal poachers and during the rains, citizens regularly complained about snakes entering their houses. "It is common to see cows on the street and the problem can now be resolved after the cell takes control," Sharath said.

In the absence of a cell, the BBMP would have to move the animals to the outskirts of the city. "We have been conducting joint operations with the BBMP in rescuing animals for a while now.
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I am happy that my dream has become reality. I am also happy to know that we have an educated deputy mayor who is equally interested in environmental related issues and we can now expect some sort of discipline" Sharath added.

DID YOU KNOW?
There are about more than 300 species of snakes in India, out of which only 20% are venomous