New Delhi, Aug 7 : Former Prime Minister and senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh expressed his condolence on the death of DMK President M. Karunanidhi and wrote to his son M.K Stalin saying that the country has lost a versatile genius.

"In his death our country has lost a versatile genius who was an outstanding artist, an eminent writer and a true leader who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden classes of the society," he said.

Singh also added that he was an exceptional public servant who was a very able administrator and served the nation and Tamil Nadu with "great distinction in diverse capacities".

"I respected Thiru. Karunanidhi deeply who had a special affection towards me and whenever I went to Chennai, I tried to find time to meet him personally there. His services to the nation will be remembered for many years to come," he added.

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala also expressed grief over Karunanidhi's demise saying that he was "repository of federalism in India".

"Karunanidhi was the harbinger of politics of deprived and politics of the poor in the state of Tamil Nadu. He represented scientific temper and creation of a casteless society. He led people of Tamil Nadu and shaped the destiny of the state," he said.

Karunanidhi, 94, passed away on Tuesday evening. He was admitted to the hospital on July 28 and his condition worsened on Monday.



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Bengaluru, Jan 24 (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to make it mandatory to obtain permission from the "appropriate" authorities for any kind of filming in the state's forest areas.

At present, even local-level authorities are issuing permits, he added.

In an order dated January 20, addressed to Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Forest, Biology and Environment Department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force, Khandre said, as of now, only the Deputy Conservator of Forests is authorised to permit shooting in the forest area.

"But local level authorities are permitting various types of shooting in the forest areas. Due to this, there is a possibility of confidential information about the forest area being available to the outside world. Further, due to lack of awareness of the sensitivity of the forest and wildlife, there is also a possibility of damage to the environment and biodiversity," stated the order.

He also highlighted recent media reports on the potential problems arising from filming in forest areas and the seriousness of crimes associated with it.

Early this week, many reports highlighted how while shooting for ‘Kantara Chapter 1’, also referred to as ‘Kantara 2’, in and around Gavibetta, Herur village in Sakleshpur taluk, Yasalur area of Hassan district, the film crew had violated rules, causing damage to wildlife or flora and fauna.

In his order, Khandre stated that, in the interest of conserving forests and wildlife and ensuring a better environment for future generations, officials have been directed to make it mandatory to obtain appropriate government permission for any kind of filming in the state's forest areas.

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