South India forest coordination cell proposed

The South Indian State Forest Ministers' Meet has proposed a coordination cell to curb the trade in wild animals and birds, poaching and also to ensure better protection of the flora and fauna.

The inter-state coordination cell will comprise the chief conservators of the forests of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Other officers of the cell will be equipped with the latest communication equipment for interaction on a daily basis. All the forest check posts of the four states will be networked with the cell.

The modalities of the cell are being worked out. Apart from issues like wildlife protection, the cell will look into curbing illegal trade in timber and sandalwood smuggling

The formation of the cell was mooted by Tamil Nadu forest minister N Selvaraju. According to him, the inter-state cell will ensure cooperation among all the four states on forest protection issues.

Karnataka's forest, ecology and environment minister C Chennigappa pointed out that the pressure on forests was increasing due to rapid urbanisation.

"Forest cover is not the same what it used to be years ago. Besides, the forests have become a hotbed for illegal activities like ganja cultivation. The cell will ensure a greater coordination between the four southern states to implement conservation measures," he stated.