Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre on Monday said that the State government will take steps to improve green cover in the Kalyana Karnataka region where forest cover currently remains critically low.

Speaking to presspersons at the zoological park near Madbool village in Kalagi taluk of Kalaburagi district, Mr. Khandre said that the region has only around 1% to 2% green cover, resulting in climatic imbalances and environmental concerns.

He said that the issue of environmental conservation and afforestation will be discussed at the next meeting of the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) where the release of funds for plantation drives and related initiatives will also be considered.

“There is an urgent need to create awareness about environmental conservation and increase green cover through large-scale plantation drives,” he expressed.

Responding to a question regarding recruitment, the Minister said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has granted permission to strengthen veterinary staffing in the Forest Department. Necessary steps will also be taken to recruit additional personnel required by the department, he added.

Mr. Khandre warned that strict action will be initiated against those involved in the illegal felling of trees in forest areas or on government land. However, he clarified that exemptions have been provided for cutting trees on private land, subject to applicable regulations.

Encroachment

The Minister also said that the State government has intensified efforts to clear encroachments on forest land. About 10,000 acres of encroached forest land have already been cleared across the State, including nearly 200 acres in Bengaluru alone.

He added that the Supreme Court has directed the State government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate cases of forest land encroachment and monitor the clearance of illegally occupied forest areas.

Mr. Khandre said that since the Congress-led government assumed office in 2023, nearly 11 lakh saplings have been planted, with a survival rate of around 90%.

Officials have been instructed to ensure adequate watering and protection of saplings for at least five years to improve their survival and also, sustain afforestation efforts, he added.