COMMISSION DIRECTS FOREST OFFICIALS TO PROTECT TRIBES;

Madikeri June 7, 2007

Commission for tribes yesterday directed forest officials not to vacate Tribes living in Nagarahole National Park area till the forest law is amended.

Hearing the grievances of tribes in the district, chairman of the commission, Nehru Cha Olekar stated that Tribes live in harmony with wild life and they understand the psychology of animals. They should not be vacated from forest, he opined.

Tribes complained that the forest department with the self declared NGO groups is trying to vacate them by force. They also alleged that the department is obstructing them from collecting forest produces.

The commission also heard that the 18% fund meant for the tribes’ development in the district is not being utilized by the district administration and Zilla Panchayath. They also stated that the tainted officer Satyanarayan, who had misappropriated lacks of rupees meant for their development is supported by other officials and no action is initiated against the.

A former soldier Ganesh from Somwarpet taluk wailed in the meeting and complained that a land owner is harassing him by cutting the crops he is growing by trying to encroach his land. Though the deputy commissioner has said that the land belongs to him, he is not protected to live in the land. Commission heard several such grievances and said that it will look into their problems.

Tribes demanded that they be included in coloumn 5 of the constitution. a separate hostel for degree students etc.District officials were present during the hearing.

LIGHTNING CAUSES DAMAGE;

A thunderous lightning in wee hours of yesterday caused heavy damage to a house and injured an old lady.

The incident occurred at Bettadalli villge at Somwarpet taluk. People around Somwarpet exoerienced thunderous rainfall yesterday and lightning struck few places. Electronic goods in the house of machamma caught fire and the glasses were shattered. While the walls developed instant cracks, she was also injured by lightning and falling of articles over her. A tamarind tree in the frot yard caught fire and the yard has three deep pits created by the striking lightning.

Gowramma is hospitalized at Somwarpet..

SLIPS INTO WELL;

A HOUSE wife slipped into well and died accidentally.

According to policer, neelavva, 55 accidentally fell into a well at Murand Badaga village and died inside.

The deceased was drawing water from the well at the time of the accident.

Body was handed over to family after autopsy.

RANJAN TO BJP STATE COMMITTEE;

State BJP committee is formed by the president D.V.sadananda Gowda.

Former MLA Appachu ranjan and district BJP president Medappa are also taken into the 53 member committee as members a communiqué said.