Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has instructed formulating an Action Plan by consulting experts from Indian Institute of Science(IISc) to offset destruction of forest bio-system in the State.
He was speaking at a meeting to review the progress of implementation of Budget programmes for the year 2022-23 related to the Forest department.
Highlights of the meeting:
* Action plan should be formulated and it should be implemented in a time-bound manner.
* Big grant has been provided for a World Bank aided Plastic Management project.A specific plan should be drawn up for controlling use of plastic and it should be implemented with people’s participation.
* Precaution to be taken to prevent misuse of Sandalwood policy.
* A grant of Rs.100 cr has been provided for building rail barricade walls to prevent man-animal conflict.
* Under the simplification of wood cutting and transport rules care should be taken to ensure it is not misused while simplifying the process to permit the farmers to cut the trees they have cultuvated.
* Administrative Reforms: Streamline the processes in Pollution Control Board and curb corruption. The systems should be simplified, Bommai instructed.
* Develop bird sanctuary and butterfly park at Hidkal dam to develop tourism.
Forest minister Umesh Katti,Chief Secretary P Ravikumar,Development Commissioner,Vandita Sharma and other officials were present.
