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What happened
In Chikkamagaluru, a government medical college has faced backlash after removing 83 bee hives from its campus, claiming it was necessary for student safety. Environmentalists suspect that chemicals were used in the removal process, resulting in a significant number of bee deaths. Nagaraj Koove, an environmentalist, has filed a complaint with the local Forest Department, suggesting that the college could have opted for safer alternatives, such as installing meshes to keep bees out of buildings. He emphasized the importance of bees in pollination, particularly for the region's coffee cultivation. The Deputy Conservator of Forests confirmed that they are investigating the incident, noting that the college's actions were taken in a public safety context.
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Key insights
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1
Environmental concerns raised
Critics argue that safer alternatives were available to manage bee populations.
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Impact on local agriculture
Bees are crucial for pollination, especially for coffee crops in Chikkamagaluru.
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3
Official investigation underway
The Forest Department is gathering information on the incident.
Takeaways
The incident highlights the tension between safety measures and environmental conservation, raising questions about the methods used to handle wildlife on campus.