Mysuru: Data shared by forest minister Ramalinga Reddy in response to a question raised by Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayana on the functioning of Bandipur Tiger Conservation Foundation (BTCF) and use of its funds, shows the foundation collected revenue of Rs 18.3 crore in 2025-26 — the lowest in the past three financial years.Data shows BTCF made Rs 18.4 crore in 2023-24, including donations of Rs 46,000 and revenue increased to Rs 21.7 crore in 2024-25, including donations of Rs 17.3 lakh. It did not receive any donations in 2025-26.On the expenditure side for 2025-26, Rs 95.6 lakh was spent on removal of lantana and creation of grasslands over 100 hectares and Rs 68.9 lakh on first-year maintenance of grasslands over 355 hectares. The foundation spent Rs 3.7 lakh on a documentary on removing lantana.An activist, who did not wish to be named, said: “Data shows over Rs 5 crore was spent on removing lantana and other invasive species, but still the problem persists.”Other major allocations included Rs 10 lakh for drones, binoculars and related equipment, Rs.16.5 lakh for cages in Tumakuru, Rs 20 lakh to capture elephants, tigers and leopards to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, and Rs 5 lakh to procure and maintain tranquillising equipment, accessories and medicines. Actual spending against some of these allocations were lower.The foundation had allocated Rs 6.5 lakh for awareness programmes related to man-animal conflict and forest fires in fringe villages, Rs 20 lakh for outreach programmes and Rs 61.2 lakh on education and awareness initiatives. It had also earmarked Rs 50 lakh for medical and other assistance for tribal and local families affected by human-wildlife conflict.Dhruvanarayana told TOI that despite being an MLA within the man-animal conflict zone, he was previously not invited to BTCF meetings.“I received an invite only after raising this question in the assembly,” he said. “Financial information was not being shared, citing forests are on the concurrent list. There is no transparency in spending.”He said elected representatives were not consulted while finalising works despite receiving regular feedback on human-animal conflict and other challenges. “BTCF should use modern technology more effectively to address issues. We want funds to be used in a transparent and accountable manner,” Dhruvanarayana said.
