From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Oct 8: Karnataka will be implementing the second phase of the Karnataka Sustainable Forest management and Biodiversity Conservation (KSFMBC) Project with an estimated cost of Rs. 1899.72 crore in the next eight years.

The project is proposed to be started in the current financial year of 2013-14 till 2020-21.

The project would be implemented with the aid of Rs 1701.98 crore from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), according to State Forest Minister B Ramanath Rai.

The State government’s share will be Rs 197.40 crore in the entire project, Rai said.

The project aimed at expanding forests to bring about ecological restoration and to facilitate livelihood improvement of the inhabitants of the project villages by afforestation through Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM).

Rai said the State Cabinet has approved the project and a detail project report would be sent to JICA seeking funds.

The first phase of the KSFMBC was executed from 2005 and with Rs 745 crore assistance from JICA.

The second phase project would cover 30 districts, including Bhramagiri, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, Shettyhalli-Sharavathi Sanctuary, Talacauvery, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park, Rai said.

The Minister said that no wildlife had died due to foot and mouth disease (FMD) in wildlife sanctuaries of the State so far.

The Department officials have been instructed to take all precautionary steps to prevent the disease in sanctuaries, he said.