Mysore/Mysuru, March 1 -- With incidents of human-wildlife conflict on the rise in villages bordering the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, the Forest Department has launched a new initiative titled 'Kaadina Mitra' (friends of the forest), roping in local villagers to assist in patrolling and preventing wild animals from straying out of the Reserve.

The Hediyala, Moleyur, Nugu and N. Begur forest ranges have been identified as highly sensitive zones, where tiger and elephant attacks have resulted in human fatalities in recent years.

In a bid to prevent further incidents, the Department has introduced a system under which selected villagers patrol alongside Forest personnel. Acting on the directions of Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, Chief Cons...