In a development that may be considered a shot in the arm for environmentalists, the Additional Civil Judge (senior division) has ordered a permanent stop to iron ore mining at Kemmannugundi in the Chandradrona Hills of the Western Ghats.

Additional Civil Judge (senior division) Manjunath Nayak on Monday ordered a complete ban on mining and related activities, considering that the land is an eco-sensitive zone and located adjacent to the Bhadra Tiger Reserve.

The State government has dropped a proposal to expand the Bhadra Tiger Reserve as well as include Kudremukh National Park under Project Tiger after local people opposed it, Law Minister Suresh Kumar told the Assembly on Thursday.

Replying to the issue raised by Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, the minister said the government shelved the plan in the interest of tribals and other forest dwellers.

Wildlife biologists have confirmed that the tiger found dead a week ago in Bhadra Tiger Reserve was the same animal released into the wild after much fanfare by former Environment Minister Jairam R

Residents of Honnakudige, Kusgal and Anthoni have alleged that huge trenches have been dug in Bhadra reserve forest area at Hebbe, Lakkavalli and NR Pura to trap the elephants because they are found in large numbers in the said regions.

The lush bamboo bushes have grown in Bhadra reserve forest. These bushes came to light during the elephant census which were held for the last three days in the reserve forest.

Elephant census will be conducted in Bhadra reserve Forest between May 15 and 17, informed Deputy Conservator of Forest (Bhadra Wildlife Division) Vijay Mohanraj.

For the first time, a black panther was spotted in Bhadra Reserve forest, said Environmentalist Veeresh.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, he said the panther was spotted around 6.30 am on Monday at Kesave division of Muthodi Forest zone. Black panther belongs to cat family is found only in
some countries. In India, black panther is seen only in some reserve forests.

The tiger survey being conducted in Bhadra wild life division concluded on Wednesday. During the 1000 square kilometre search operation, the volunteers have found 5 tigers, 7 leopards, said Bhadra Wild Life Conservation Trust

Subhash Chandra NS, Bangalore, Jan 24, DH News Service:

A tiger travelled 270 km from its homestead to establish a new home, baffling experts who are speculating about its migratory route which is dotted by human habitat.