'No compromise on Forest Conservation'

Replying to queries on the large number of power and railway projects in the State requiring forest and environmental clearance from the union government, Ramesh said, “The Forest (Conservation) Act is supreme, there is no question of compromise, however important the economic activity.”

Without naming the project, he said that the 197-km Hubli-Ankola line, which passes through prime forest in Uttara Kannada, needs to be realigned.

When asked whether action would be taken against the alleged mining going on in forest land in Bellary, Ramesh said the Centre would not hesitate to stop mining if it was in contravention to regulations.

Ramesh said the Centre would consider the state government’s proposal of sanctioning Rs 1,200 crore under the Western Ghats Ecological Protection Project for eco-restoration and rejuvenation of the eco-sensitive region.

“We will consider the proposal sympathetically, and work in tandem with Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa and Tamil Nadu for restoration of the Western Ghats,” the minister said.

Proposal sought

The Centre has also sought a detailed proposal from the state government on the relocation of 1,300 families in Kudremukh.

The Centre will strongly support the resettlement of families in non-forest areas, Ramesh added.

The Centre will also consider the State’s proposal of sanctioning grants for lake cleaning programmes in Bangalore, Ramesh added.