Sullia: Owing to stiff opposition from Kalmakar and Balugodu village limits under the Pushpagiri forest reserve, the government is contemplating a reduction of 100 metres in the eco-sensitive zone area, said Forest Minister Rai.
Rai was responding to village representatives at a government inspection bunglow at Sullia. “The central government has increased the eco-sensitive zone by 1 km despite the state not recommending it, because of which some villages in the area are affected”, explained Rai and said, “The state government is aware of villagers’ concerns and will recommend a review to exclude the affected villages from the purview of the eco-sensitive zone”.
The government is open to legal sanctions for the repair of the Kalmakar-Galibeedu road connecting Subramanya to Madikeri, Rai said.
Minsiter Rai asked the villagers to convene a meeting in consultation with different departments at Pallatadka on December 6 to discuss the issue further instead of December 4 due to the CM’s programme.
