Clean chit to encroachment near Chamundi Hill
Contrary to the allegations of widespread encroachment of land in and around Chamundi hill, minister for forest C H Vijayshankar has rejected the accusations and said the forest land on the foot of hill was intact and free of encroachment.
“A survey is conducted in the protected area. There is no encroachment. Forest department will act if it finds any encroachment. About 1,513 acres of land in and around the hill is declared as the protected forest area. It was not easy for encroachers in the area,” he stated.
Vijayshankar was speaking to reporters after visiting the foot of Chamundi hill to inspect progress of work on Deva Vana project.
“Deva Vana will come up at a 50 acre area in the foot of the hill. The department will create artificial lakes — where rain water from uphill can be stored. Culverts will also be created to draw water from sewage farm, he said adding that about 670 varieties of traditional Indian saplings will be planted in Deva vana. The district administration has shelved the Nehru Loka project and has transferred about 283 acres of land to forest department,” Vijayshankar said.
He said the department has also prepared an action plan to construct a walking track. The surrounding of the track would be covered with greenery from ayurvedic plants, he added.
Boating
The minister also visited Lingambudhi lake, where the department proposes to start boating. He directed the officials to chalk out the action plan for the lake and submit it to government soon.
A second Deva Vana project is also planned for Aloka, a forest area in the outskirts of city near Yelwala. The summer palace at Aloka would be converted into a forest museum, he stated.
DCF Manoj Kumar said that the government had released about Rs 4 crore for various projects like Deva Vana and improving of Aloka Vana. The project will take 3-4 years to complete, he said.
