From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 5: In a significant initiative for the malnad and coastal regions of Karnataka and other States covered by the ecological and bio-sensitive Western Ghats region, the Centre has agreed to sanction Western Ghats Development Institute to Karnataka for conservation of the ecologically sensitive areas of Western Ghats in six states.
The proposed institute would be set up on 117 acres at Chakra in Shivamogga district for undertaking research and management of the Western Ghats, one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Karnataka’s Forest Minister B RamanathRai, who submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking sanctioning of the institute, told reporters that the Centre would grant funds for monitoring and management eco system in the Western Ghats.
The proposed Western Ghats Development Institute would also enable expansion of the green area in the region.
The institute would take up environment management with active participation of locals, Rai said.
The minister said there was no truth in allegations made by BJP MP ShobhaKarandlaje that the State Government has not given its comments on the K Kasturirangan report on conservation of Western Ghats to the Centre.
The State Government has given its comments on the report on April 24, 2015 to the Centre, he said.
All the States, including Kerala and Maharashtra, have virtually copied Karnataka’s comments in their reports, the minister claimed.
The State Government has agreed for a complete ban on mining.
However, the minister said that Karnataka has demanded regulation of sand mining and quarrying to meet local development needs.
The Forest Department has decided against renewal of leases granted to families and companies for growing plantation crops such as rubber, coffee on lands belonged to it.
The department has leased lands for several firms, including MRF, for growing rubber and plantations in different districts of the State.
"We will not renew leases and take back land to the Department after the expiry of the lease period to allow natural growth of forests," Rai said.