Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre reassured the public that the government has addressed the apprehensions and confusion surrounding the Kasturirangan Report.

Speaking in Kukke Subrahmanya he stated, “We have rejected the Kasturirangan Report. People living on the fringes of forests for centuries are the true custodians of these ecosystems. We have several plans in place to protect the forests while respecting the rights of local communities.”

He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in the conservation of the Western Ghats and detailed steps being taken by the government, including joint surveys to address disputes and concerns.

Joint survey across 31 districts

The Revenue and Forest Departments have convened a joint meeting to issue a circular for a collaborative survey across all 31 districts of Karnataka. A committee has been formed to conduct these surveys over the next six months, with findings to be submitted to the government for further action.

Road development and infrastructure plans

Addressing local issues, Khandre discussed the development of the Kadamakallu-Kodagu Gaalibeedu road near Kollamogru village and promised necessary support for its improvement. Additionally, he announced plans to enhance facilities for trekkers at Kumara Parvatha and issued directives to officials for controlling elephant incursions in the region.

Dharamsthala visit

Later, the minister, along with his family, visited Dharmasthala and held discussions with Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. Khandre praised the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project’s efforts to rejuvenate 1,000 lakes and the MP Fund-supported initiatives for dairy development in Bidar district.

He also lauded the project to plant fruit-bearing trees in forest areas, initiated by Heggade in collaboration with the Forest Department, as a step towards mitigating agricultural damage caused by wild animals.

Accompanying the minister were his wife Geetha Khandre, his son and Bidar MP Sagar Khandre, Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation chairperson Mamata Gatti, and senior Forest Department officials.