Responding to a query at an interactive 'meet the press' session held at Mangalore Press Club on Monday, Mr. Rai said that the preceding government has already given clearance for the diversion and the matter is no longer subject for discussion.
“I as an Environment minister cannot comment on this issue now because the matter has been taken beyond the clearance stage by the previous government. The decision was taken by the previous government based on a report which suggested that our district will not be majorly affected by the move. Although as a layman I do feel that it may cause harm to us and have my own concerns about our ground water level depleting, it is my personal opinion and am not aware of the technical details of the same to back my claim”, Mr. Rai said.
Rights of tribals
On the issue of granting rights to tribals like Malekudiyas and Soligas in forest areas, the Minister said that he would try to abide by the set guidelines of the Forest Act and the Court directive with respect to granting of rights to tribals who have been living in forest areas for over three generations.
“The Reserve Forest debate is a never ending one. While one section of the media discusses illegal occupancy and activity in Reserved Forests, another section talks about wrongful eviction. As per the Forest Act, each district must have a Forest Committee to look into matters such as existence of tribals for three generations in forests etc but these committees do not even exist in some districts. I on my part will look to balance conservation and rights of tribals in the light of the Forest Act and make sure that the committees are pressed into action and decisions with regard to rights of tribals will also be taken based on their findings”, the Minister said.
Responding to a question on mining activity in forests and his stance on the impact of hydel power projects on environment, Mr. Rai said that some mining and power projects have begun after obtaining prior NOCs (No Objection Certificates) and clearances from the Ministry of Forests and Environment in the past. He however maintained that conservation of environment will always be of priority to him when it comes to choosing between conservation and development in the future.
The eco-tourism proposal of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL), is still before the Ministry of Forests and Environment and no clearance has been granted for the same as yet, Mr. Rai added.
Development plans for DK
Mr. Rai, also the district-in-charge minister for Dakshina Kannada, disclosed some of his plans for the district's development. The 'Rangamandira' project has seen unpardonable delay, he said, stating that it began in his previous term as district-in-charge minister and said that he will look to complete it as soon as possible. The central government has okayed four-laning of road from Hasan to Bantwal, he said, while informing that he plans to also construct a tunnel along the same route. Similarly, the government has given its nod for four-laning of Moodbidri-Shimoga road as well. Bantwal being plagued by traffic woes these days following loopholes in the flyover works, a proposal to set up a Traffic Police Station under Bantwal Police Station limits has been put forth by him. In order to achieve overall development of Mangalore and its surrounding areas, the concept of 'Greater Mangalore' is being formulated and the formation of Brahat Mangaluru Mahanagara Palike on the lines of Bangalore's BBMP has already been suggested to Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister for Urban Development, Mr. Rai said.
Tough stand against moral policing
The Minister said that each police station will be asked to have a list of miscreants indulging in moral policing and in case of occurrence of such incidents, the SI of the concerned police station will be held accountable. A discussion with regard to the same will be held with the Home Minister soon, Mr. Rai said.
Responding to a question on his equation with RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, Mr. Rai said that election results have already come out and the people's verdict is there for all to see. “Communal politics is like seasonal fever. It doesn't last long. People understand that and have proved it with their votes”, Mr. Rai said.
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