Media Release
Udupi, Feb 26: Minister for forest and environment and district in-charge of Dakshina Kannada Ramanath Rai inaugurated ‘Salumarada Thimmakka Tree Park at 80 Badagubettu in Manipal here on February 24.
Addressing the gathering, Ramanath Rai said, “Following the state government’s order, the tree park has been built by Kundapur Forest department, Kundapur division, Udupi zone. The Forest department has more responsibility of conservation than other departments of the government. It gets more objections from the public, because it is engaged in conservation of forest and wildlife. But after I received the responsibility as a minister for forests, all efforts have been made to make the department people friendly.
“The department is working under Forest Conservation Act. Over 42 forest officers have lost lives, while on duty. The forest department stands top in the state’s achievements while examining the duties from all angles.
“There is a history of conflicts between humans and animals. Considering this point, the amount of compensation was doubled for the disasters from the current year. A training academy has been established in Dharwad for RFOs. It is decided to present the chief minister’s medal on Martyrs' Day to render even better service. It has been decided to provide special allowance to staff and Prerakas. A decision on making permanent of daily wage employees will also be taken soon.
“The Forest department decided not to implement Tiger Project and a favourable decision will be taken soon regarding deemed forests. The department will focus more on safeguarding water sources under the slogan the 'Forest for Water’. Chinnara Vana Darshan programme has been executed successfully to create awareness among nature lovers and students that ‘there is no water without forest’.
“Everyone knows that wild animals can survive by forest and vice-versa. Water resources are safe if forests and conserved. It is essential that everyone cooperates to implement this plan,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Kaup MLA Vinay Kumar, who presided over the programme, said, “Forest department led by Rai has become people friendly. The department has given emphasis to underground water conservation, the development of lakes as part of tourism development and water development in ecological sensitive areas like Udupi and achieved its goals.
“This tree park here at Badagubettu was proposed when I was a minister. It is inaugurated today and this one memorable moment of my life. When I was the urban development minister, fund was sanctioned for drinking water for Dakshina Kannada district under the Nagarothana scheme, which causes no water problem for 15 years in Mangaluru.
“The forest minister has responded to all demands without any discrimination. Due to some technical reasons, 80 Badagubettu and Alevoor householders did not get RTC certificates. Rai pointed out that they have been deprived of government's facilities for this reason.
“The forest department has attempted to solve people's doubts regarding deemed forest, RTC distribution, and buffer forest zone in public meetings,” he said.
The forest department honoured the forest faculties, who had served for the tree park. The department felicitated Yashaswi Fishmill, for planting around 500 saplings in Udyavar. LPG connections were handed over to eligible beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for conservation of trees.
Salumarada Thimmakka Tree park comprises Kambala scene, Central paragola(ganabo), Herbal garden, Children’s park, Hulivesha scene, traditional Bootha Kola scene, Yakshagana idols, rain water harvesting tank, rest rooms, toilets, dining sit outs, canteen, rest rooms, amphitheatres and many more.
Shantaram Shetty, president, gram panchayat, Lakshmi Narayan Prabhu, Sandhya Pai and Sandhya Shetty, taluk panchayat members, Brijesh Kumar, chief forest conservation officer, Sanjay Bijjoor, chief forest conservator of police, Ganesh Bhat and RG Bhat, Prabhakaran, deputy forest conservator, Kundapur division, Karikalan and ACF MM Achappa, deputy forest conservator, Mangaluru were present.
Circle forest officer Clifford Lobo welcomed the gathering. Area forest officer Prabhakar Kulal rendered the vote of thanks.
Prashanth Shetty Havange compered the programme. Ganesh Gangolli enthralled audience with singing programme.