CM DK Shivakumar at interactive session on Kasturirangan report’ in Balehonnur, Chikkamagaluru, Saturday
“There is a 25-year limit for some and 75 years for others. We will take a decision on having a uniform 25-year limit and send it to the Centre,” he said. They said the report covered around 13,000 sq km in Keralam and nearly 20,000 sq km in Karnataka. A similar exercise in Karnataka, they said, could exclude around 5,000 sq km. They said the report referred to villages with fewer than 100 people, but larger settlements were also included based on GPS mapping. They also questioned the inclusion of areas with less than 20% protected forest cover, saying residents feared for their homes and livelihoods. At the meeting, Shivakumar said govt had to convey its opinion to Centre by Sept 27.
CM also said the govt would consider a physical survey of areas covered under the Kasturirangan report, on the lines of the Keralam model, before taking a final stand. Chairing a public consultation at Thirthahalli, Shivakumar said govt would strictly protect the land rights and livelihoods of Malnad residents. CM said govt was committed to passing a resolution urging Centre to lower the land rights eligibility threshold. Forest officials, he said, had been told not to trouble people living in forest areas. “Bagair Hukum cultivation and giving land to those who cultivate it are initiatives of our govt,” he added. Keralam, they said, had a high-level committee to separate inhabited areas from forest areas after a physical survey, which reduced the area covered. The representatives said Kasturirangan Committee relied on satellite and GPS-based mapping and did not survey the ground. We will also examine the Keralam model,” he said. I have come to know the sentiments of the people, hear their views and find a solution. ” CM said govt would also consider a resolution in the assembly to ensure that tribal and other forest-dependent communities get rights and benefits under the Forest Rights Act. Elected representatives and the govt have a responsibility to understand such concerns firsthand,” he said.
Shivamogga: Families who have lived in the forests of Malnad (Western Ghats) for generations got some relief Saturday, with CM DK Shivakumar directing forest officials to stop issuing fresh eviction notices to traditional dwellers. He, however, added that there would be zero tolerance towards any new forest encroachment. The demand for a Keralam-style ground check also came from residents and representatives of various organisations at Hebri in Udupi district Friday night. They urged govt to form an expert committee, saying its findings could then be placed before Centre and, if necessary, Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal. “The govt will consider the possibility of constituting a technical and expert committee to study the situation. “We have come here to hear your views and understand the problems you are facing. We will consider these suggestions and discuss the issue in the assembly. “Conservation and the livelihood of people have to be considered together. Officials do not always get an opportunity to hear the grievances of people.