Bellary: In an effort to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts in mining-affected areas, Forest, Biology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has directed officials to draft a plan to establish a botanical garden in each taluk.
During a progress review meeting at the Ballari Forest Department office, the minister instructed officials to utilize funds from the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) to devise actionable strategies to address ecological damage.
Minister Khandre emphasized the importance of implementing wildlife conservation measures in mining areas and maintaining watering holes to prevent water scarcity for wildlife during summer.
He questioned officials about the number of Category C mines in the Ballari region, the extent of degraded forest land allocated to mining companies for compensatory afforestation, and the progress made in afforestation efforts. He also sought details about the geotagging of valuable trees such as sandalwood, teak, and rosewood planted along forest boundaries and reprimanded officials for failing to provide satisfactory answers.
The minister further directed officials to plant and nurture more saplings in the Davangere, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Chitradurga divisions. He stressed the need to grow saplings in nurseries to meet farmers' demands effectively.
Minister Khandre also highlighted concerns about reports of forest encroachment due to mining activities exceeding allocated areas. He instructed officials to use satellite imagery and KML maps to monitor and protect forest lands from such encroachments.
