India, July 23 -- Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Tuesday directed officials to initiate steps to ban the grazing of cattle, goats, and sheep in all forest areas of the state. The instruction, issued to the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, comes amid growing concerns from environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts who say unchecked grazing is severely impacting forest health and wildlife safety.

According to Khandre, large-scale grazing by domestic animals is hampering natural forest regeneration. Newly sprouted seedlings are often consumed by cattle and goats, preventing the growth of new vegetation and gradually degrading forest cover. The minister said this loss of green cover coul...