Twitter campaign initiated to urge forest minister to visit Kodagu

Various organisations in Kodagu district have initiated a campaign on Twitter, urging Forest Minister Aravind Limbavali to visit Kodagu and to conduct a meeting with forest department officials to put an end to the tiger menace.

The minister had stated in Bengaluru that he will visit Kodagu after the tiger is captured in Ponnampet, as his visit may hamper the operations by the forest department.

However, the planters and labourers have initiated the campaign to urge the minister to visit Kodagu soon.

‘Operation for namesake’

The leaders said that the tiger capturing operation is being held for namesake as there are no clear directions to the forest officers.

Meanwhile, sharpshooter Sushil Kumar who was deployed for the work has returned to Bengaluru.

Kavitha Bolamma, a resident, said that the people of Kodagu are fed up with the menace of wild animals.

The forest minister should instil confidence among people, she added.

Social worker Madeti Thimmaiah said it has become very difficult for the farmers to go about their livelihood.

“Forest Minister Aravind Limbavali should listen to the woes of farmers. The forest department is in deep slumber. Only the minister’s visit will wake the officials up from their deep slumber,” he said.

Kodava Makkada Koota president Bollajira Ayyappa said, “Even though several lives were lost, the minister did not care to visit the district. He should come now at least.”