Speaking at the inauguration of a community hall constructed under Forest Development Agency at Bemmane, he said forest department officials should not torture poor from collecting forest products.

Conservator of Forest (Mysore circle) B P Ravi said 60 per cent of Western Ghat is in Malnad. The decline in forest area is resulting in the increase in global temperature. Village Forest Committees should chalk out plans for preserving forests. Forests must be preserved for the future generation.

Taluk Panchayat Vice-President Mallika Naveen inaugurated the community hall. Panchavati Village Forest Committee President B S Manjunath presided.