CHIEF CONSERVATOR HOLDS MEETING WITH FOREST DWELLERS

Madikeri February 6, 2009

Chief Conservator of Forests, Shivanna Gowda held a meeting of forest dwellers at Balegundi Forests near Valnur yesterday.

The officer was a subject of praise as he squatted on the ground and held discussion with the tribes. Shivanna Gowda called upon the Tribes to make use of the forest products and also protect the forest from fire and smugglers. He advised them to enroll with gram panchayaths and take the benefits. The forest products should be sold to LAMP society he said.

He also informed that forest department will help women in projects and asked them to form Self Help Groups. The department also releases loan to grow nursery and sell them.

Addressing the gathering, president of the Budakattu Krishikara sangha , J.P.Raju appealed to the department to build a hanging bridge at Dubare instead of boating. He explained that they have to depend on boats to cross the river Cauvery every often and it is dangerous during monsoon. He also said that they lack basic facilities like house and water inside the forests and that should be set right.

District Conservator of Forests, Sudarshan, DFO Mallesh, ACF Shashidar, RFO Chinnappa and others were present.

AIDS HAUNTS FAMILY OF FIVE

A family of five in a village near Somwarpet have tested positive and sent for treatment to Mangalore.

The Jayakarnataka organization has sent the family to Mangalore for treatment. Dr.Krishnananda from Somwarpet Government hospital has confirmed the test result and said that parents and their three children studying in fourth standard, third standard and anganavadi are the victims.

The victims are shifted to an Ashram at Mangalore for treatment

FESTIVALS LOSING FERVOUR

Jilla Panchayath president Deergakeshi Shivanna told that the festivals are losing fervour as people are becoming more self centered.

She was addressing the gathering at shanivarsanthe yesterday presiding over the valedictory function of Gudugalale Jatre. She regretted that the number of cows and bullocks taking part in the festival is also reducing and recalled that over thirty five thousand cattle’s used to participate in the olden days. She said that the Zilla Panchayath has been releasing rupees ten thousand for the festival.

Asistant Commissioner Akram Pasha inaugurated the function and said that the sixteen acres of land where the Jatra is being held would be handed over to the Handli Gram panchayath. Information officer Vinodh Chj\andra said that celebration of a festival this way will improve relationships and protects culture. Guest Jayammma, Prasanna kumar and others spoke.

Chennamallikarjuna Swamiji of Tenkalagodu Ashram spoke on the occasion and said that the cattle’s have a Spiritual bond with the festivals since ages and this should be encouraged by people.

COFFEE BOARD RECOMMENDS LOAN WAIVER

In a day long meeting held at Coffee Board, a decision was taken to recommend to the central government to waive off SCT loan and its interest.

The meeting was held with its chairman Krishnakumar in chair after the planters held a protest before their office in Bangalore on fifth.

The planters demanded waiver of loan with interest as the rates have also collapsed and planters are suffering loss and crop damage. They are due about rupees 600 crore to banks.

Vice chairman of the Coffee Board, Dr.S.Kavearappa said that the decision to recommend loan waiver, interest on term loan is taken as the planters are facing various problems including crop loss this year.

Members Thara Aiyamma, Vimala Gopal were also present.

Coffee growers led by MLC S.G.Medappa, MLA Appachu Ranjan and others took part in the protest.