In an effort to check the plundering of rich forest resources, the forest departments of southern States have come forward to set up a “co-ordination cell.”
The Cell will ensure the much-needed co-operation among the forest departments to tackle issues ranging from smuggling of forest resources, poaching and ganja cultivation to encroachment.
Decisions in this regard are being taken at the conference of forest ministers of the southern states hosted by the Government of Karnataka in Bangalore. The two-day conference was inaugurated on Thursday by Governor Rameshwar Thakur. Tamil Nadu Forest Minister N Selvaraj suggested a co-ordination cell be established at Chennai to transmit information and monitor follow up action. While Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment C Chennigappa later told reporters that he would try to have the cell in Bangalore as it is central to the southern states.
At the inauguration, Mr Selvaraj said such a cell would have officers of the level of conservator of forests and will be equipped with the latest communication gadgets. “This will be helpful in monitoring inter-state smuggling in border areas, which are vulnerable to illegal activities”, said Mr Selvaraj. Forest fires, which may spread across the border need prompt attention, he added. Mr Chennigappa said Karnataka forests are faced with issues such as sandalwood smuggling, wildlife poaching, illegal trade of wildlife products with adjoining states and ganja cultivation. He said without inter-state co-ordination it was difficult to protect forest and wildlife, and hoped that the conference is followed by periodical interaction of forest officials.
The Governor said forest conservation efforts should not suffer because of political convenience. Mr Chennigappa said that there is truth to claims that the high ranking officers in the State Forest Department don’t actually go into the forest. “There are lot of vacancies for field workers. We are taking steps to recruit 200 forest staff soon,” he added.
Joint teams, involving forest officials of neighbouring states, have been set to check smuggling of forest produce.
SOUTH INDIA TO BE COVERED
An eco-tourism circuit covering South Indian states will be developed.
Circuits suggested to cover the South Indian states:
