Belagavi: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre directed officials to clear forest encroachments above three acres and all new encroachments made after 2015, while ensuring that poor families occupying less than three acres for livelihood are not harassed.
For more details : https://www.prajavani.net/district/belagavi/minister-eshwar-khandre-orders-clearance-of-forest-encroachment-3689653
Chairing a meeting of forest officers at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, he stressed that tree conservation and afforestation must be a priority in the face of climate change. He instructed officials to increase green cover in Belagavi forest circle areas outside the Western Ghats by planting and maintaining more saplings.
The minister ordered extensive plantation along highways, district main roads and other connecting roads within Belagavi city and directed an audit of planted saplings, with submission of a survival report. He also called for eco-tourism development at Gokak Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary and safety restrictions at Vajrapoha waterfalls.
He further directed officials to conduct public outreach meetings in forest fringe villages to create awareness about human-wildlife conflict and wildlife protection laws.
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