Daijiworld Media Network - Hebri (JD)
Hebri, Sep 18: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, after attending the first-ever State Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru, visited Hebri on Thursday and interacted with people affected by the Kasturirangan report and eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) regulations.
The chief minister held a public interaction at the Government First Grade College in Hebri and personally heard the grievances, demands and suggestions put forward by residents and representatives from the affected areas.
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar said that he had received several grievances and suggestions concerning the development of coastal Karnataka.
"For the first time, a Cabinet meeting was held in Mangaluru. We have taken 60 decisions, of which around 40 directly benefit the coastal districts. Tulu has been included as the second official language. Kerala is known as God's Own Country, and coastal Karnataka should also be developed in a similar manner," he said.
He highlighted the importance given to education and economic activities in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, noting that the two districts produce a large number of doctors and have around four lac students studying in pre-university colleges.
"I have come here to understand the reality of the situation. Several representatives have presented their issues. You have raised concerns regarding the eco-sensitive zone and the Kasturirangan report. The final decision should be a collective one," Shivakumar said.
He said that a special session had been convened to discuss the matter and stressed that people's representatives should be heard in a democratic forum.
"Physical surveys have been demanded, and this will be taken care of. We will also consider passing a resolution. The zonal management plan has also been brought to my notice," he said.
Acknowledging concerns over the functioning of officials, the chief minister said, "We do not do politics on emotions; we do politics on the lives of people."
He also assured that the demand to upgrade the Community Health Centre in Hebri into a taluk hospital would be considered after discussions with the concerned officials.
"Tulunadu's people are a treasure of this nation. We will take a collective decision, and I assure you that my government will always stand with you. Do not worry," Shivakumar said.
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said all political parties should unite to resolve the problems faced by the people.
"It is not right to point fingers at the Centre or the State. People are worried about the Kasturirangan report. Many fear that commercial crops could also be classified as forest areas. I suggest that a technical committee be constituted on the Kerala model and a physical survey be conducted before submitting a report to the Centre. I will support this cause without any political considerations," he said.
Karkala MLA V Sunil Kumar welcomed the chief minister's decision to meet people affected by the report.
"For the past 10 years, several discussions have taken place in the State. Even before 2013, our districts were affected by the Mookambika, Someshwara and Kudremukh forest zones. Forty-seven villages were affected by these three forest zones," he said.
He said the declaration of a one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone from forest boundaries had created difficulties for residents.
"People have to approach the regional commissioner in Mysuru even to obtain permission for constructing a house. The forests are protected by the people living here and not by those sitting in cities. It is unjust to trouble those who are actually protecting the forests," Sunil Kumar said.
He also urged the government to release funds for rehabilitation projects for people affected by forest zones. He sought the upgradation of the Hebri CHC into a taluk hospital and establishment of an ESI hospital for the benefit of the working population.
District in-charge minister Rizwan Arshad said the government was committed to protecting both the environment and the interests of people living in the region.
"We have not gathered here to destroy forests or expand our settlements. The Kasturirangan report was intended to preserve forests, but the report was prepared merely by looking at satellite images. Forests and rivers must be protected, but human beings who have lived here for thousands of years must also be able to live," he said.
He said chief minister Shivakumar had come to Hebri specifically to listen to the grievances of the people and assured that the government would oppose policies that adversely affect them.
Forest minister Ramalinga Reddy said he had already made the State government's position on the Kasturirangan report clear.
"I had given a clear statement regarding the Kasturirangan report and stated that the State government is rejecting the report. We have submitted a clear report to the Central government regarding the problems faced by the people. A special session has also been called to discuss the matter," he said.
Representatives of the affected communities, including Sreedhar Gowda representing the tribal community, advocate T B Shetty, Udaykumar Shetty Vandse, Naveen Adyanthaya, Dinesh Hegde and Muniyalu Udaykumar Shetty, also placed their demands before the chief minister.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K welcomed the gathering.
Coastal Development Authority president M A Gaffoor, Narayanguru Corporation president Manjunath Poojary, MLAs Gururaj Gantihole, A Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Congress leaders Prasadraj Kanchan, Jayaprakash Hegde, Ramanath Rai, Gopal Poojary and others were present.