Work on increasing green cover, develop cordial ties with tribals, CM BSY’s advise to forest officials

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday urged forest officials to develop a cordial relationship with tribals and farmers, as he asked them to make all efforts to increase the State’s green cover from the current about 22 to the targeted 33 per cent.

Speaking at a meeting of forest officials, he said, the government has given priority to forest conservation.

”….I appeal to forest officials to have a cordial relationship with tribals and farmers in the forest. With their cooperation you will have to protect the forests,” Yediyurappa said.

Without the cooperation of the people there, forest cover cannot be increased or can it be conserved, he pointed out.

Gathering information from officials that the green cover in the State has increased from 18 to about 22 per cent now, and the target is to increase it to 33 per cent, the chief minister asked them to strive towards it.

”Make all efforts… if we reach 33 per cent, it will be a great achievement, it will be a model for the country,” he added.

Asking officials to be vigilant about forest fire with the summer setting in, he suggested to them to grow fruit-bearing trees in large numbers as it would help animals and birds.