Ramalinga Reddy
Days after the CM announced plans to develop tree parks around Bengaluru, citizens urged the minister not to disturb the natural landscape of Turahalli Reserve Forest.
“The govt can make use of Turahalli park, spread over 30-35 acres, and upgrade it into a tree park,” said Subrahmanya Kodipadi. On parcels of green space set aside for Tunnel Road and other infrastructure projects, Reddy said the legislation had now been withdrawn and there was no proposal to bring it back. Jeevala Trust recalled a similar proposal during the previous BJP govt that was later aborted. Reddy readily agreed with the suggestion.
the minister said he had been contemplating amendments to multiple acts and rules to strengthen the protection of Karnataka’s flora and fauna While agreeing with several suggestions. Bengaluru: Coming under attack from citizens and civil society groups over the govt’s several mega projects and policy initiatives that might negatively impact Karnataka’s ecology, forest minister Ramalinga Reddy Tuesday assured them he would intervene in issues directly under the forest department’s purview, while other matters would be taken up at the govt level for consideration. The minister was participating in a day-long public consultation with citizen groups here.
Wildlife activist Suparna Ganguly and PETA representatives urged the minister to enforce a complete ban on the use of elephants at weddings, festivals and other events, particularly by VIPs and govt representatives. The activists suggested that robotic elephants could be used instead. Reddy responded positively to the proposal.
The minister said recommendations would be discussed in the legislature next week. Experts shed light on the implementation of Kasturirangan recommendations on eco-sensitive areas in Western Ghats. Madhuri Mandava, co-founder of Paani.Earth platform, urged Reddy not to reject the Centre’s seventh draft notification.