Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Jul 10: “A discussion meeting on deemed forest concluded on the note that deemed forest issue exists on nearly 60 hectare of land. The concerned MLA has requested to sort out the matter soon. I will hold discussions after obtaining Vidhan Sabha constituency-wise details. We will sort out the issues in the next three or four months,” said forest department minister Arvind Limbavali addressing reporters after a progress review meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office, here, on Saturday.

“Meetings of the revenue department and the forest department should be held at the state level. I will speak to the minister of revenue in this connection. Five MLAs are taking the special initiative to grow forests.

“The DCF has the authority to upgrade the roads if a wildlife reserve is not formed. There are legal obstacles to constructing bus stands and bridges. The work should proceed without cutting trees and inconveniencing people. The local MLA will continue the work if the forest department issues an NOC. There is a big belt from Karwar at Hinniru. There is a proposal to extend the Kandla forest.

“Nearly 1,000 saplings are destroyed for the construction of roads. As per government orders if one sapling is destroyed ten other saplings should be planted in its stead. Therefore, I will set in motion the programme of 10,000 saplings on the Kunjalu roadside.

“We will review the proposal of constructing Smriti Vana sanctuary in memory of Pejavara Shree. Much progress is not achieved even after obtaining classic status for the Kannada language. Research seats and universities are necessary for this. I have brought the matter concerning higher studies to Ashwath Narayan also. I will conduct a review in this connection."

Additional deputy commissioner Sadashiva Prabhu, minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Halady Srinivas, Sukumar Shetty, Sunil Kumar, Lalaji Mendon, Millo Tago, APCC Bengaluru, Prakash Netals, CCF Mangaluru, Karkala wildlife division DCF Rutran, Kundapur DCF Ashish Reddy and Udupi forest department officials were present.