The Environment Support Group (ESG) and residents of Challakere in Chitradurga district have opposed taking over of the Amritmahal Kaval grassland (grazing lands) by government agencies.
An expert committee conducted a spot inspection and public hearings last week to study the impact of the takeover of the land for various projects on the direction of the National Green Tribunal (South Zone) to investigate the issues relating to the diversion of over 10,000 acres of Amritmahal Kaval grasslands (forests).
Addressing reporters here on Thursday, coordinator of Environment Support Group, Leo F Saldhana, said the restriction of access to Kavals has caused distress sale of livestock, migration and large-scale loss of livelihood in the region. Another representative, Vinay K S said: “Local representatives were part of the public hearing and they have endorsed people’s concerns before the expert committee.” The Expert Committee consisting of Dr S Ravichandra Reddy and Dr K V Anantharaman conducted public hearings in the surrounding villages of Dodda Ullarthi, Bharmasagara, Nayakanahatti and Neralagunte that are heavily dependent on these lands.