Jairam opposes night safari in Bannerghatta

Nationalisation not a solution for mining

Replying to a query on mining after delivering the Satish Dhawan Memorial Lecture here, Ramesh said mining had resulted in huge private windfall gains.

“I am in a state where politics is defined by windfall gains. So this is something we have to take very seriously,” he remarked.

But, nationalisation was not the answer to the problems associated with the mining, the Union Minister said. A Bill would be introduced in the winter session of the Parliament to ensure that 26 per cent of the profits earned by the mining companies would be shared with the local communities. The regulation would force mining companies to part with their profits, he added.

Ramesh emphasised that maintaining the balance between the ecology and economy would require making hard decisions.

Pay the price

“By making hard choices, you will have to impose a cost on certain section but that is the price society has to pay,” he stated.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, he expressed his disapproval of Janardhana Reddy’s night safari plan.“In principle, I am opposed to the night safari plan. Anything upto 7 pm is alright...I am not keen on permitting night safari,” Ramesh declared.

He also stated that it was unlikely that permission had been given by Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to start the night safari and that the matter would be discussed at CZA meeting later this month.

Ramesh also made a passing reference to Gundia hydel project earlier saying that it would help the power situation in the State, but would have an adverse impact on the ecology of Western Ghats.

Forest Minister to meet Reddy

Forest Minister C H Vijayashankar has decided to put an end to the row over the night safari in Bannerghatta park by holding talks with Minister for Tourism Janardhana Reddy.
The two ministers had aired different opinions on having night safari in the park.

Vijayashankar, on Tuesday, told the mediapersons that being Forest Minister his interest was to safeguard wild life in the park and ensure the safety of bio-diversity in the woods.
He said that night safari will be conducted without using artificial light as done in many developed countries.

“We both are right in our own ways. The issue can be resolved as soon as we share our opinions,” he said.

Stating that there was no confusion between the ministers, Vijayashankar said he was not against implementing the project if the provisions of the Wild Life Act were not violated.

The Minister said he would soon meet Janardhana Reddy and resolve the issue.