Udupi: A special Gram Sabha of 21 villages included in the Dr Kasturirangan Report was attended by Vinay Kumar Sorake (Minister for Urban Development and Minister in-charge of Udupi District), the Deputy Commissioner, ZP Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Forest Conservator.
The team led by the District in-charge Minister visited Bellal, Jadkal-Muddur, Hosur, Kollur, Yaljith-Golihole, Kerathur, Nadsalu, Andaru, Shirlal-Bekarla, Mala, Madamakki, Belwe, Amasebailu-Machattu-Sanse, Yademoge, Hosangadi, Hallihole and other villages.
The villagers presented their opinion before the committee saying that they had been residing in the area from many decades. They are now facing problems from the Forest and Revenue Department who often bring new projects and ruin their lives. The implementation of the Kasturi Rangan Report in these villages will ruin their lives as they are associated with farming. Agriculture remains their prominent occupation. They urged the committee to exclude all the villages from the report.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, who is also a member of the cabinet sub-committee formed to report the government on the pros and cons of the report, said that the government is firm on its stand of not isolating the people and ruining their lives. The government has said no to the ban of sand mining, agricultural activities and others. A detailed report will be sent to the central government with the views and opinion of the people, he added.
“The government is finalising its report after consulting and recording the opinion of the people. The decision of the government on Kasturi Rangan Report will be given in the first week of April.”
“The department heads and officials should discuss on the pros and cons of the report with the people of the area as the report is associated with their lives.”
MLAs, people representatives and others were present.
