Karnataka prepares plan to check environmental degradation

"We are preparing a plan to check the environmental degradation in the state and the first round of discussions have already been held in this context," he said, inaugurating the 53rd annual general meeting of the Karnataka Planters' Association (KPA).

"This is in response to Supreme Court's demand to the state government to file an affidavit spelling out future course of action vis-a-vis rejuvenating the environmental aspects which had deteriorated during mining activity," he said.

Asked if the lease of those involved in illegal mining would be cancelled, the chief minister said "it is not yet finalised", adding he would be able to comment only after a final report is given by the Supreme Court and the SC-appointed Central Empowered Committee.

Stating that the government was giving a thrust to promote ecological balance, he indicated that eco-friendly coffee plantations and the bio-diversity rich Western Ghats would find mention in the affidavit as the state readies to defend its commitment to stem "environmental degradation".  Speaking at the function, KPA Chairman Sahadev Balakrishna stressed on the need to preserve natural resources at plantations.

"There is a need to initiate a comprehensive study to record the benefits of trees and preservation of water bodies in the plantations," Balakrishna said.