Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Nov 6: Principal chief conservator of forests Vinay Luthra on Friday November 6 said that afforestation in Mangaluru forest circle had crossed the target of 4,082.46 hectares during 2015-16, with an area of 4,204.23 hectares being afforested so far.

Addressing a press meet at Aranya Bhavan here on Friday November 6, Luthra said, "Mangaluru forest circle comprise Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and parts of Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts. The circle has a total geographical area of 8,64,563 hectares with 2,87,641.19 hectares of notified forest area. Revenue records have been updated for 98 percent of the total notified forest area.

"During 2015-16, an area of 4204.23 hectares was afforested as against the target of 4,082.46 hectares and 8,967.77 hectares of plantation of the previous years are being maintained. Out of 4.89 lac seedlings raised for public distribution, 4.508 lac seedlings have been distributed to public and institutions at subsidised rates. Apart from this, under ‘Krishi Aranya Protsaha Yojana’, an amount of Rs 55.57 lac has been distributed to 3,651 beneficiaries as incentive since 2012-13," he informed.

"During 2014-15, under Special Component Plan solar lamps, 'sarala ole' (smokeless stove), LPG connection with stove, gobar gas, solar water heater, bee keeping boxes etc were distributed to 323 beneficiaries. During 2015-16, similar programmes are planned for 55 beneficiaries out of which 40 beneficiaries have been given the amenities. Similarly, under Tribal Sub Plan, during 2014-15, benefits have been distributed to 333 people and during 2015-16, out of 47 beneficiaries, 22 have been given the amenities," he added.

He further said, "During 2015-16, an amount of Rs 12.40 lac has been distributed to 146 farmers towards compensation for crop damage by wildlife. In the Mangaluru circle, there are 3,870 forest encroachment cases, out of which 89 cases are those of above 3 acres. Out of these, 42 cases have been resolved and areas that were encroached have been recovered.

"Kudremukh National Park is under the jurisdiction of Mangaluru circle. Out of 1,380 families residing in the park, 527 families have applied for voluntary rehabilitation. Till now, 164 families have been rehabilitated by giving them compensation of Rs 5,970.56 lac. In the process, 262.4 hectares of land has been added to the national park. Compensation for the remaining 363 families is under process.

"The work of identification and finalization of deemed forests has been completed in both Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. In DK district, out of 87,511 hectares of deemed forests identified by the revised expert committee, 34,850 hectares have been proposed to be excluded from deemed forest category. Likewise, in Udupi district, out of 40,362 hectares of deemed forest, an area of 29,710 hectares has been proposed for exclusion." he added.

Forest conservation officer Sanjay Bijoor briefing about important activities taken up in the circle, said, "During 2015-16, as many as 137 Vanamahotsava programmes were conducted involving various strata of society. At the district headquarters, Laksha Vruksha Andolana and Wildlife Week celebrations were also conducted. The department has taken up development of 9.15 acre of land in Padumale for establishing a medicinal garden in remembrance of Deyi Baideti, at a cost of Rs 70 lac.

"The department has established a Daivi Vana at Karinjeshwara comprising Nakshatra Vana, Moolika Vana, Navagraha Vana, Rashi Vana, Stotra Vana etc, spending an amount of Rs 43.3 lac. The department has taken up development of sandal conservation area in 43 hectares at a place called Veerakhamba in Bantwal taluk. To create awareness among school children, a Green School Park (Hasiru Shaala Vana) has been established in Sarapadi Government high school at an estimated cost of Rs 5 lac. This is scheduled to be inaugurated by forest minister Ramanath Rai November 7," he said.

"To create awareness among villagers about the importance of forests, Ariyadka village in Puttur taluk has been identified for development under Green Village Scheme and work will commence shortly. In Tannir Bavi village at Bengre, a tree park is being established and work is at completion stage. The department is also geared up to take forward the newly-launched scheme 'Chinnara Vanya Darshana' for high school children. Per year, 10,000 students will be taking part in this educational tour programme," he added.