The Congress party has urged the Central government to take a stand on the denotification of forest land in Shivamogga district favouring the people displaced decades ago for the Sharavati project.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson B.A. Ramesh Hegde, in a press conference in Shivamogga on Saturday, said the Congress government had issued 56 denotification orders benefiting displaced people who were cultivating 9,129 acres of land. However, following a court order, the BJP government withdrew denotification.
Despite having statutory powers, Mr. Ramesh Hegde said the Centre did not permit the denotification of forest land. They rejected the State government’s request, citing a Supreme Court order unrelated to the issue. The State government had filed an interlocutory application in the Supreme Court due to the efforts of Madhu Bangarappa, Minister in charge of Shivamogga, and Forest Minister Eshwar Khande.
“The Supreme Court has taken up the matter for hearing and ordered for notices. Meanwhile, it has also asked both the State and Centre to resolve the issue amicably by holding secretary-level talks. Now, the Central government should take a stand favouring farmers and help the displaced people,” he said.
Karnataka Bovi Corporation chairperson Ravi Kumar, Congress leaders J.D. Manjunath, Raghupathi, Rajanna, and others were present at the press conference.
Published – December 07, 2024 07:02 pm IST