Bengaluru, June 4 -- Former India captain and cricketing icon Anil Kumble has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Karnataka Forest Department, a move aimed at boosting public awareness and engagement in forest and wildlife conservation.

Kumble, renowned not just for his sporting excellence but also for his environmental commitment, pledged to do everything within his capacity to safeguard the State's natural heritage.

"This is a responsibility I deeply value. I previously served as Vice-Chairman of the State Wildlife Board, and I'm happy to contribute again," he said after meeting Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre at the Aranya Bhavan in Bengaluru on Sunday.

He added, "I hope to raise awareness among citizens, especially chil...