Review panel reports on Western Ghats: Shobha

Highways in Chikmagalur district should be upgraded

MP Shobha Karandlaje has said that burning issues of encroachment, development of railways and highways will be given thrust in Chikmagalur.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Saturday, he said that she had met three minister from Karnataka in New Delhi and has explained on the problems in the district. The row over implementation of recommendations of Kasturirangan report on conservation of Western Ghats has been haunting the people in the region.

“I have explained the pros and cons of the report to the Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javedkar thrice in Delhi. A petition has also been submitted to the government to review the reports.”

There are confusions with regards to the recommendations of Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan report. Both the committee did not explain on how to maintain the resources in the Western Ghats. However, the implementation of the recommendations will have its impact on the day-today lives of farmers.

She said that before implementing any project,  gram sabhe should be taken to confidence. However, two reports do not mention on gram sabhe. “We are not against conservation of environment. Along with conservation of environment, our farmers should also survive,” Karandlaje said.

A petition has been submitted to the Union Minister Nithin Gadkari for upgrading highways that passes through Chikmagalur district. The roads will be upgraded without affecting the property.

There is a need for the creation of a separate railway division for Mangalore. Doubling of railwayline on Konkan route should be taken up on priority basis. A garib Rath from Mangalore to Maharashtra should be started. She said that she has already urged the Union Minister for Railways D V Sadananda Gowda to extend Chikmagalur-Shimoga train to Mangalore.

The MP said that the Prime Minister has knowledge on problems faced by arecanut growers. A delegation will meet Prime Minister and Union Minister for Health to impress upon them not to ban arecanut.

She said “inspite of ban on endosulfan, it is being sold in other format. We have urged the Union Minister for Health to ban use of endosulfan completely. Suitable compensation should be paid for the endosulfan victims and a permanent rehabilitation facility for the victims in the need of the hour.”

The High Court had directed the State government to run Kudremukh Kendriya Vidyalaya.
However, the State government can not run a Kendriya Vidyalaya. The DC will file an affidavit in the High Court on the same. The KIOCL has been urged to run the school for one year.

A petition will be filed in the Supreme Court on  vacating Inam land before June 27. The Deputy Commissioner and Forest department officials have been asked not to evict the land till the Supreme Court hears the petition. The officials have been asked not to clear those who have encroached less than 10 acre land as per Forest Rights Act.

“Those who have concern for the people can give suggestions on the development of the district. I am ready to hold talks with Bharathiya Vakeelara Parishat Vice President S L Bhoje Gowda. I will not engage in politics when it comes to problems faced by the people.”