SMUGGLERS TO BE SHOT AT SIGHT;

Madikeri June 27, 2007

Deputy forest officer Mallesh has said that smugglers and poachers entering reserved forest would be shot at sight.

Inspecting Maldare forest range yesterday DFO said that the officers and watchers are instructed to shoot the smugglers below the knee if they are found inside the reserve forests. He visited forest after local daily newspaper Shakthi carried investigative report with pictures about the tree felling and smuggling in reserve forest. Trees were being illegally cut in broad day light, under the nose of forest staff in this area.

DFO said that teams are formed to combat tree felling and smuggling in Kodagu and illegal activities will be brought under control. He also said that erring staff will also be brought to book. Awareness camps will also be held top educate forest staff about the importance of protecting the environment and trees, he said. The staff will be equipped with jeeps and weapons he disclosed.

SAINIK SCHOOL FROM AUGUST;

Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav has said that the Sainik School will be started from this august at Kudige near Kushalnagar.

Taking to scribes he said that preliminary works for the school are all over and school will start functioning from August. He opined that the school might accommodate around 600 students and 56 acres of land is reserved for the school at Agriculture farm area at Kudige. The education will be given in CBSE system from class six to ten.

Defense officials have already held several rounds of talks with the district administration and concerned officials to finalise the dates, which will be announced shortly.

CAUTION AGAINST CHIKOON GUNYA;

The Deputy Commissioner has instructed the health department to take precautionary measures to combat spread of chikoon gunya.

DC stated that the disease is found in neighboring districts and precaution should be taken here. He disclosed that about 48 treatment centers are opened in villages to treat the patients; pamphlets are distributed to bring awareness.