Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (DV)

Beltangady, Apr 24: Aiming to increase the forest cover and fruit-bearing trees in the forest to avoid man-animal conflict, the forest department along with the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) run under the guidance of Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, will launch a programme on a pilot basis, said Minister for Forest Aravinda Limbavali.

Minister in the presence of Dr Heggade organised a meeting with MLA, MLC and senior officer of forest department at Sannidhi Guest House in Dharamasthala.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Heggade said it is very essential to increase forest cover, fruit bearing trees in the forest. For this cooperation from the forest department is essential.

The minister, speaking on the suggestion of Dr Heggade, directed the forest department officials to start a pilot project under the guidance of Dr Heggade.

Limbavali said that on June 5, the programme will be flagged off. Hence, in prelude to this, the officials should identify the volunteers and organisations and collect the saplings and earmark 100 acres of land for the purpose. He also asked the officials to train the locals in planting the saplings.

All these measures will help in providing food to animals and oxygen to human beings. This project will be undertaken as joint programme by the Forest Department and SKDRDP.