In a bid to curb smuggling of forest products in the state the government has appointed a cabinet sub-committee to chalk out concrete steps. Revenue minister Karunakar Reddy, power minister Shobha Karandlaje, urban development minister Suresh Kumar and forest minister Vijayshankar are members of the committee which is expected to submit its recommendations in a month’s time.
Forest minister Vijayshankar told reporters here that the action follows complaints of rampant
smuggling of wood in Kodagu, Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts.
He said the timber lobby, in connivance with officials, was engaged in timber smuggling and warned that stern punitive action awaits those engaged in illegal activities.
Referring to the recent rampage by elephants in Mysore city, the minister said the animals had strayed out of its habitat in search of food.”
The forest area is being cleared for development works, resulting in animals straying outside their range. The previous government had permitted setting up of 67 mini hydel projects.
