Chikkamagaluru: Forest minister Eshwar B Khandre assured that measures will be taken for the demarcation of the eco-sensitive zone of Bhadra sanctuary, and a proposal will be submitted to the Union govt.He also blamed the previous BJP govt for creating confusion over the issue of deemed forest. Villagers from Khandya hobli in Chikkamagaluru district submitted a petition requesting the minister to control wild animals, mainly elephants, bison and boars. After accepting the memorandum, the minister mentioned that in 2011, villages were included in the buffer zone. The previous BJP govt created confusion by not conducting a scientific survey on the deemed forest issue. But the Congress govt is making sincere efforts to resolve this issue, Khandre said.In 2022, under the previous BJP govt, officials included houses, patta lands, govt offices, schools and hospitals within the deemed forest area without on-site inspection. Now, alternative lands will be identified where such problems exist, and a certificate maintaining the forest’s extent will be submitted to the Supreme Court, the minister assured.Orders have been issued to rescue elephants causing damage to crops and life in villages, with two elephants already rescued. Instructions have been given to rescue two more elephants, he stated.In Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan districts, there are over 100 elephants outside the forest. To provide a permanent solution, the minister said he has sanctioned Rs 53 crore for constructing an elephant camp, maintaining elephant trenches, installing tentacle fencing and solar wire fencing.A comprehensive command centre is being set up to inform the public about wildlife movement. A railway track barrier is being constructed in your area at a cost of Rs 12 crore, said Khandre.Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda, chairman of Bhadra Command Area Development Authority K P Anshumanth, principal secretary to the forest department Manoj Kumar were present.
