New forest policy to axe eucalyptus, acacia

Forest and Small Industries Minister H G Vijayashankar said here on Wednesday that forests have shrunk in area over the years due to lack of foresight and political will on the part of the governments. The policy would focus more on growing local varieties.

Instructions have already been given to remove eucalyptus trees in forest areas of Malnad and semi-Maland regions. Cultivation of medicinal plants and indigenous varieties of neem and tamarind will be promoted.

A legislation has already been introduced allowing farmers to grow sandalwood and teak in their land. The farmers would also get the right over the timber. The Forest Department would provide saplings to farmers interested.

Vijayashankar regretted that no saplings had been planted to compensate for trees felled for widening of National Highway-4 between Hubli and Chitradurga and warned that action would be taken against officers guilty of the lapse.

Words in deeds

Later, speaking at Kanaka Jayanti celebrations in Kaginele, Bydagi taluk, the minister said the celebrations would be meaningful only if the principles of the Kanakadasa were translated into deeds.

“The occasion would be meaningful if it provides an opportunity to infuse confidence in the oppressed classes,” he noted.

The jayanti celebrations of sants and sharanas should not be limited to recalling their contribution to society. More than that, initiates based on the principles enunciated by such great souls should be taken up to bring more equity in society.

Ashok Kheny performed the ground breaking ceremony for the 1.25-cr hostel proposed to be constructed in Kaginele. Kheny said the hostel would accommodate about 200 students.