Karnataka sets up committee to get Forest Department clearance for projects
Chief Minister Bommai bats for ‘Environment Budget’, agroforestry
BENGALURU:
A decision to constitute a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to accord Forest Department clearances for various projects in the state was taken at a review meeting of the Forest Department chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday.
The committee will have the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department, the Chief Conservator of Forests, the Deputy Conservator of Forests and district-level officers as its members. It was decided to ensure that the committee gives time-bound clearances for such projects.
‘Remedy environmental losses’
The Chief Minister instructed the officials to assess the environmental losses suffered in the state in the last 5 years, based on the report prepared by the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC). Programmes should be drawn up to compensate for these losses. An ‘Environment Budget’ should be prepared in this regard, Bommai instructed.
Agroforestry benefits
Afforestation increases the green cover and improves the fertility of the soil. while planting of plants and trees helps in providing food and fodder for livestock. Awareness should be spread among people on the benefits of agroforestry. The funds provided for command area development could be used for the purpose, Bommai said.
Man-animal conflict
The Chief Minister instructed the officials to build railway barricades to avoid man-animal conflict so as to prevent loss of lives and also prevent crop destruction.
Forest Minister Umesh Katti, Forest Development Corporation Chairperson Tara Anuradha and senior officials were present.
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