Forest encroachments to be cleared

To prevent more encroachments and entry of wild animals into human habitat, the department of forests will demarcate and fence forest lands

Minister for forest and ecology Ramanath Rai said the state government was committed to clear the encroachments of the forest lands including those by the resorts in national parks.

"The Government will not give in to any pressure in this regard", the minister said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in Dharwad Rai said the encroachments of forests lands above 10 acres in national parks, reserve forests and other lands belonging to the department of forests would be cleared.

However, small encroachers will be spared.

"Some of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators have questioned the government's move of clearing the encroachment. But the government will not touch small encroachments up to ten acres by poor families and traditional forest dwellers" Rai clarified.

Rai said legal action would be initiated against anyone found guilty.

There have been allegations of rampant encroachment and destruction of the forest wealth in the Western Ghat forests in Salur and Bilalkoppa villages of Narasimharajapura taluk in Chikkamagalur district involving former minister and Sringeri MLA D N Jeevaraj and some top forest department officials.

To prevent further encroachment and the entry of wild animals into the human habitat, the department of forests will demarcate forest lands and fence them.

Fencing of forests lands in the State would be completed in different phases, he said.

Nethravati river diversion:
To a query on the Yettinahole project to divert the waters of

Nethravati River to dry land areas, Rai said a scientific survey should be undertaken to look into the pros and cons of the project and to assess the impact on environment.

"If the government goes ahead with implementing Yettinahole project, a compensatory project to address the water woes in Dakshina Kannada district should be implemented. Despite receiving heavy rains the region faces acute water shortage during post- monsoon period. This matter is in premature stage and it needs to be studied well. The issue has not yet come before the department of environment" the minister said.