Efforts will be made to correct BJP’s deemed forest mistake: Minister

Udupi: Forest, ecology and environment minister Eshwar Khandre said that there are govt buildings, hospitals, and anganwadis in the deemed forest area. We are making a sincere effort to rectify the mistakes made during the BJP govt’s administration.

The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the new building of Range Forest Officer (RFO) and Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) , Kudremukh wildlife division, Karkala and after offering floral tributes to forest martyrs in Karkala on Monday.

Khandre said that a final opportunity has been given to resolve the deemed forest issue, with committees formed at district and state levels to submit a fresh appeal to the Supreme Court.

“Initially, when a certificate was submitted to the Supreme Court, 9 lakh hectares of land was identified as deemed. Later, in 2022, it was revised to 3,33,000 hectares. Due to inadequate surveys and inspections, govt buildings, schools, hospitals, and patta lands were included. Poor and middle-class people are facing difficulties, and this oversight needs correction,” he said.

Further, he said that the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company must pay fines and other charges to the forest department. The high court has currently issued directions in this regard, and the govt will act according to the court’s orders, he added.

On this occasion, he planted a sapling and watered it in the RFO’s office premises. Before this, Khandre visited Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari temple, seeking blessings for good rain, crops, and prosperity in the state.

. Karikalan, chief conservator of forests (CCF), and other officials were present.

‘Ensure safety of frontline staff’

The minister said the role of frontline staff in forest protection is significant. He instructed that they should be provided with safety equipment such as electric sticks, rain jackets, and shoes. He inspected the modern, lightweight firearms provided to forest officers and staff, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety of frontline personnel.

The minister asked whether accommodations have been provided for the elephant task force, anti-poaching squad, and frontline staff. He instructed to ensure that risk allowances are given to staff working hard in dangerous conditions.