Forest cover increases by 1,100 sq. kms. in the state

Forest cover increases by 1,100 sq. kms. in the state

If you have been tired of hearing depletion of forests elsewhere there’s good news to all
wildlife enthusiasts as the forest cover in the state has been enhanced to 1,100 square
kilometers in the past decade according to Shiv Raj Singh, APCCF. He revealed this interesting
piece of information during a media interaction at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajnagar
district on the eve of a media seminar recently.

At the same time he also admitted that such a feat was made possible due to a combination of
multiple efforts: Probably there are any numbers of stake holders in the accomplishment and
they include the people, public representatives and the media.
Apart from the increase of forest cover a simultaneous development in the hilly and forest
terrain is the increase of wild animals, both vegetarian and non vegetarian which again is a
welcome development in the overall increase of wildlife.

Perhaps after the ‘killing’ of veerappan, the dreaded sandalwood smuggler and elephant’s tusks
poacher more than a decade back normalcy looks to have returned which is being evinced in
every walk of life here.
Unlike the never ending spree of poaching of wild animals of all varieties possible reported
earlier now it looks to be a U turn for better in the task of conservation. All out efforts are now in
place both from the state government and voluntary agencies in creating awareness about the
rich flora and fauna found in abundance here.

A ‘Holematti Nature Information Centre’ has come into being at a triangular place in the close
proximity of Yellemaal,Hanuru-Male Mahadeshwara Hills road. The centre is spread in an area
of two acres wherein school going kids can quench their thirst of all possible information on
wildlife.

Sanjay Gubbi owning Gubbi Labs is the man behind the concept. It can be recalled here that
Gubbi Labs, an NGO is involved in various types of activities relating to creating awareness
about wildlife conservation.

He claims: This is the only such facility in the whole of country where information about nature is
being provided in the native language. Apart from real life photographs of the insects, birds and
animals several documentaries relating to the interesting stages of these creatures are
screened here.

For many children of the surrounding villages the centre has become a favorite sought after spot
where they spend time in the most enjoyable way possible during weekends and holidays. In
fact the children are shown the butterflies which can be tracked in close vicinity and they go in
search of them and return with drawings of the same, he informs.

Loss to human lives, damage to standing crops and property due to man and wild animal
conflict has almost become a regular feature in habitations adjoining the forest region. The
situation is either no better in the 906 square kilometers area under Male Mahadeshwara Hills
wild life sanctuary.
Some time back Nagappa, a farmer was trampled to death at Ponnachi village in Kollegal Taluk
of Chamarajnagar district when he had been to the fields to keep an eye on the crops from wild
animals.

Since the incident took place at around 2.30 am in the cover of darkness and the incident place
happened to be away from the village the victim’s screams made no sense to the elephant
which saw it fit to finish off the person coming in his way.

As the fields of Ponnachi village happen to be on the borders of the forest terrain wild animals
intruding into human habitation in search of fodder and prey is a routine affair. However fatal
casualty of human beings is happening for the first time according to local villagers.
As a result of the tragic incident leading to loss of human life the situation became volatile to
such an extent that the poor local guard of the Forest Department was severely thrashed. Yet
the angry mood among the villagers continued to persist.

Thanks to the conciliatory efforts of the Forest Department officials under the leadership of KV
Yadukondalu,DCF MM Hills the villagers are now in talking terms with the staff. Such a change
of heart was also made possible due to the compensatory benefits extended by the Department
to the victim’s family.

Late Nagappa’s wife Kabbalamma has been handed over a cash component of Rs. Five lakhs
as monetary compensation. She is also being given an extended helping hand by a monthly
financial aid of Rs. 2,000/- for five years.
Apart from these measures in cash terms the couple’s son has also been inducted into the
Forest Department on a contractual basis.

All these steps at the time of tragedy and crisis to the victim’s family have reaped productive
benefits to the Forest Department. They are now being welcomed with a warm heart by the
village people.
KV Yadukondalu, DCF MM Hills explained at the incident site: As all the agricultural fields are
adjoining the borders of the forest cover, efforts are on to convince the villagers for relocation to
plain regions if they agree upon the proposal of the Department.

Another interesting worth mentioning initiative of the Forest Department is the voluntary
proposal of Chengadi villagers to shift from their village. This particular village trapped amidst
thick forests is lacking basic infrastructure and civic amenities apart from being far away from
the parameters of modern development.

There are about 132 families with land holdings to the extent of 482 acres who also have a
dubious distinction of boycotting all the elections in the recent past since none of their demands
have been addressed so far.

It again goes to the credit of KV Yadukondalu, DCF MM Hills and his dedicated team of other
officials and staff in bringing these villagers to talking tables.
The late evening meeting at Chengadi village in the absence of electric lights at times evoked
angry outbursts from the rural folks who appeared to be disgusted with the apathy of
administrative machinery.

Thanks to Chengadi Karippa, an elderly person, appealed to the villagers to keep calm during
the interaction with the Forest Department officials. Hanuru Prakash, President of the Farmer’s
Association was too vocal and candid enough in enlisting the woes and pathetic plight of the
poor peasants.

However the silver lining of the meeting happened to be the unanimous resolution of the whole
village in agreeing to shift to the new rehabilitation site nearby Hanur in an area spread in about
1,600 acres.

Although elsewhere across the country one is used to relentless agitations against displacement
due to developmental projects it looks to be altogether an opposite situation on the ground here.
If people wish to relocate on their own will what else will the government agencies have to do
other than accelerating the process?

-Manohar Yadavatti