DISPUTED FOREST CONFIRMED AS RESERVE FOREST;

Madiekri November 9, 2006

The disputed Tavoor forest land in Nishane hills where semi precious stones were being removed was confirmed as forest land.

Mines and Geology officials yesterday conducted a joint survey under the guidance of Karnataka High court and verified the spot and records.

The forest and revenue officials who were in the survey group resorted to verbal clash claiming authority over the land situated within the reserve forest.

The revenue and Mines and Geology authorities had permitted private persons to remove the semi precious stones from survey number 1/1a in Nishane hills. They were claiming that the few acres of land within the sprawling 2,818.52 acres of land belonged to revenue department. Mining in this area was often resulting in attacks and clashes. Forest department had once arrested the contractor Sardar and his associates creating tension and confusion.

The Cauvery Sene had filed a writ in High Court claiming that the land belongs to forest department and no mining activity should be entertained in that land. Hearing their claim, the court sought a survey report. Yesterday the survey was conducted by Joint director off Mines and Geology, Veeranna. DFO Shankar G.Bhat, Cauvery sena convenor ravi chengappa, Tahasildar and others were present during the survey. A resolution was passed declaring the land as reserve forest to be submitted to the government.

TUSKER ‘ BHARATH ‘ TRANQUILISED;

Tusker Bharat, which had created ruckus at Thithimathi town since two days was tranquilized yesterday to be shifted to elephant camp.

The elephant which had walked majestically during Dasara procession at Mysore went amuck the day before and created tension and fear at Thithimathi town.

The forest department had failed to bring him under control and a close vigil was kept the whole night. Yesterday, the department shot a tranquilizer shot at it and tied him with a strong chain. Regaining consciousness after 45 minutes, again the pachyderm tried to charge. It circled its mahouth Gini with its trunk and tried to throw him. Gini and another mahout kavadi Muthanna got injured in the act.

The forest officials and veterinary doctors are keeping a watch and the elephant would be shifted to Kavadi camp for training and treatment. The officials said that the elephant would be let into Nagarahole national park after some time.

“Bharatha” was brought from Dharmastal temple, eight years ago as a baby elephant and trained here. He was taking part in the Dasara procession since eight years.

KODAVATHAKK NAMME AT NEW DELHI;

President of Kodava Thakk Parishth, Ajjinikanda Mahesh nachaih stated that Kodava Thakk Namme ( Festival of Kodava language) would be held at New Delhi on this 17th.

He stated that the Parishth is organizing this festival under the support of Delhi Kodava Samaj and Karnataka Sangha.

He stated that Information minister Ambarish wil, MP Prema Cariappa and others will take part. Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajapayee will also be invited for the function.