Chikkamagaluru: With the human-wildlife conflict escalating in Chikkamagaluru district, Karavali Malenadu Janapara Okkutta asked forest minister Eshwar B Khandre not to extend the existing limits of tiger reserves, national parks, or reserve forests under any circumstances.The Okkutta members submitted a memorandum to the minister and pressed for 20 programmes to be implemented by the govt to ensure the welfare of the farmers in the region.The Okkutta suggested establishing a permanent medical fund at selected hospitals to cover medical expenses for injuries caused by wild animals. If a person is disabled due to a wildlife attack, the compensation amount should be increased based on the degree of disability, and a monthly pension should be provided if the disability is lifelong.The Okkutta commended the govt’s steps in conducting a joint survey by the forest and the revenue department. However, the members suggested involving locals and the respective gram panchayats to avoid irregularities. Gram sabhas should be conducted immediately, the members demanded.Agricultural land under cultivation does not require the forest department’s approval for land conversion. Unnecessary interference by the forest department caused inconvenience to the residents, it stated. Under the Forest Rights Act, the period for land allocation and necessary documentation should be reduced from 75 to 25 years.Okkutta general secretary, Sudhir Kumar Murolli, Anil Hoskoppa, and others submitted the memorandum.
