Bengaluru, 27 May 

Former cricketer Anil Kumble will be appointed as Karnataka’s Forest and Wildlife Ambassador, Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre announced on Tuesday. Kumble, who previously served as Vice-President of the Karnataka Wildlife Board, has accepted the role without remuneration.

“Kumble is globally respected and deeply committed to forest and wildlife conservation. His involvement will boost public awareness around forest development, tree preservation, and wildlife protection,” said Khandre.

Marking two years in office, the minister outlined key environmental achievements. The state held 8,848 vanamahotsavas (tree-planting festivals), planting 8.5 crore saplings across forest zones, roadsides, and government land. Additionally, 3.7 crore saplings were distributed to farmers.

Between 2023–24 and 2024–25, Karnataka developed 1,20,975 hectares of plantations, 25 arboretums, and 35 new forests.

Looking ahead, Khandre unveiled plans for a 153-acre urban park in Madappanahalli near Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The land, currently under the Karnataka Forest Development Corporation, will be reclaimed on 2 June, with the foundation stone expected to be laid within two months.

Addressing forest land encroachments, Khandre said 128 acres worth ₹4,000 crore had been recovered. The government is also fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court to reclaim 444 acres of forest land worth Rs 14,300 crore from HMT.