The Forest Department has sought Central assistance of Rs.400 crore for various activities. The demand was raised by Forest Minister K. Raju during talks he had with Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar during the latter’s visit to the State on Tuesday.
According to an official release, while Rs.200 crore has been sought for ensuring the protection of those who faced the threat of attack by wild animals, Rs.100 crore each has been requested for enhancing basic infrastructure in forest areas and for the rehabilitation of forest dwellers.
Mr. Raju said the State had the largest forest area which came under the Western Ghats. Over 10 per cent of the funds available for the department were being allocated for improving basic infrastructure. An amount of Rs.100 crore was necessary to improve various facilities, including forest stations and training centres.
He urged the Central government to announce a special package for the rehabilitation of Scheduled Tribes who resided in forest areas. Around 25,000 families lived in such areas in the State. It would require an assistance of Rs.100 crore to improve their living conditions and rehabilitate them.
Moreover, a further assistance of Rs.200 crore was necessary for treating injured wild animals as well as protecting human beings living in close proximity to forest areas from animal attacks. A detailed memorandum was submitted to Mr. Javadekar during the meeting.
