Panel rejects proposals for commercial activities near BRT Tiger reserve in Chamarajanagar: Report
Chamarajanagar: In a decision set to benefit wildlife conservation, authorities have rejected proposals for commercial activities near the BRT Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar.
The Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Monitoring Committee of BRT Tiger Reserve has decided not to grant approval for 11 new commercial ventures, including a hotel, a commercial complex, a warehouse, a petrol station, a residential layout, a community hall, and a wine store, as reported by The Hindu.
The members of the committee noted the places mentioned were within a one-kilometer radius of the reserve’s ESZ.
The committee referenced directives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, which prohibit new commercial construction within a one-kilometer boundary of protected areas or their ESZs. A Forest Department official confirmed that all the rejected proposals were located within this radius. However, it has been decided to survey the area for a proposed borewell at Biligirirangana Betta before making a decision, the report mentioned.
The committee also flagged two homestays in Yelandur, located within half a kilometer of the reserve boundary, deeming them illegal. Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag confirmed that notices had been issued to these unauthorised establishments.
“It has been more than two years since National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) submitted a report recommending action against illegal tourism establishments,” Giridhar Kulkarni, a wildlife conservationist, was quoted as saying by The Hindu. He pointed out that the Revenue Department issued notices in 2023 itself but eviction have not yet taken place. He further urged the authorities to remove these illegal homestays.
Meanwhile, the committee also rejected proposals to establish poultry farms and sheep-rearing activities bordering B.R. Hills in Yelandur and Chamarajanagar taluks, citing the risk of escalating human-animal conflicts.
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Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
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Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
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