During the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting at the zilla panchayat, public representatives, including district minister KJ George, strongly criticized forest department officials for various issues. One major concern was the alleged failure to clear forest encroachments, particularly by a government employee in Yemmedoddi village, Kadur taluk.
The officials accused the forest department of obstructing public projects and not taking adequate steps to evict the encroacher despite orders. The minister issued a strict 48-hour deadline for clearing the encroached land, directing for eviction with police protection.
Further accusations were levied regarding harassment of residents in Mallenahalli gram panchayat, where families in Ashraya houses received eviction notices despite government-sanctioned lands and facilities. Similar grievances were expressed over the issuance of notices to beneficiaries under the Nava Grama scheme.
Mudigere MLA Nayana Motamma joined in criticizing the department for impeding local development initiatives. District minister George emphasized the need for enhancing school development and proposed the establishment of dedicated betterment committees for schools.
In addition, Minister George instructed officials to curb illegal commercial activities within coffee estates to safeguard the environment. He stressed the prevention of fragmented land sales and unauthorized villa constructions.