Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Mysuru (Karnataka), November 11 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed officials to formulate long-term solutions to the growing human-wildlife conflict in the state. While talking to the media after the meeting held at his ancestral residence in Mysuru on Tuesday, the CM said many important things. CM Siddaramaiah said, “There was a serious discussion on the human-tiger conflict. I asked the officials to scientifically analyze why tigers and elephants move out of the forests and find long-term solutions.” He directed that water pits in the forests should be filled, Lantana grass should be removed and fodder should be cultivated inside the forests to prevent animals from moving towards human settlements. CM Siddaramaiah said, “A separate meeting will be called soon to comprehensively address the issue. I have asked officials to be ready with data and scientific solutions.” CM Siddaramaiah said, a helpline has already been started and a command center is being set up. The CM also questioned why 5,900 out of 7,000 applications under the Forest Rights Act were rejected – and pointed out that applications rejected due to lack of clear rationale were being re-reviewed. He directed the departments to ensure proper drinking water and electricity to the tribal settlements and to act with humanity and discretion towards the forest dwellers. CM Siddaramaiah warned: “If any human death occurs due to negligence or lack of coordination by officials, strict action will be taken.” He further said that it has been ordered that every hostel under the Social Welfare Department be appointed a nodal officer to monitor the quality of food, academic environment and building safety under district and taluk-level supervision. In HD Kote taluk, electricity connections have been provided to 16 tribal settlements, but the supply is irregular. Issues like drinking water, housing, Anganwadi centres, ration distribution and marketing of forest produce were discussed extensively and CM Siddaramaiah urged the forest officials to work with sympathy. CM Siddaramaiah warned: “Arrogance of forest officials is unacceptable. Don’t behave like blindfolded people. Show some compassion and humanity.” Separate meetings will also be held with the Food, Minority, Backward Classes and Social Welfare Department to review the quality of hostels and food. “Anyone failing to comply will face strict disciplinary action,” he warned. CM Siddaramaiah directed the officials to issue caste and income certificates without any delay. CM Siddaramaiah said there are 6,73,050 beneficiaries under the Griha Lakshmi scheme in Mysore district and 100 per cent payment has been completed by the end of July. The decline in the education index of the district (from 7th to 14th) has prompted officials to formulate an action plan to improve the performance. “Next time the results should improve. Otherwise, DDPI and BEOs will be held accountable,” the CM warned. He directed, “Even though free milk, food, uniforms, shoes, bananas and scholarships are being provided, enrollment in the school has declined by 2.5 per cent compared to last year. The quality of teachers should improve and enrollment should increase.” CM Siddaramaiah concluded: “Health and education are my top priorities. Mysuru will get all the necessary support and funding, but there should be no decline in performance or efficiency. I take this very seriously – and so should you.” –IANS mka/red