Forest Minister Ishwar B. Khandre said on Monday that weed growth has affected the movement of wild animals in three national parks in the State and the government is removing it and ensuring the area is converted into grassland.
Replying to a question by BJP member Tejaswini Gowda in the Legislative Council during Question Hour, Mr. Khandre said weed has spread to an extent of 20% to 50% area in the jurisdiction of Bandipur, Nagarahole, and Bannerghatta National Parks.
Weed has covered 40% to 50% area (87,224 hectares) of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, 30% to 40% area (64,339 hectares) of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, and 20% to 25% area (26,051 hectares) under Bannerghatta National Park, he said.
