BENGALURU: H D Kumaraswamy’s budget comes as a total disappointment for the forest and wildlife sector. Except two new schemes — Hasiru Karnataka (Rs 10 crore) and fencing of degraded or grazing areas in high rainfall areas for development of forests (Rs 40 crore), there is no allocation for tree plantation or continuation of anti-poaching camps.
The state government is putting its own back for an increase in forest cover as per the latest Forest Survey of India. No funds have been announced for newly declared reserves. The Forest Department is facing a shortage of Rs 150 crore for maintenance works. Maintenance of plantations needs at least Rs 80-85 crore. It needs Rs 20-25 crore for 71 tree parks. Last year, the department started to install rail fence barriers in conflict zones and the scheme needed Rs 15 crore to continue. But with no penny allotted, the scheme might now be stopped.
Urban conservationist Vijay Nishant said, “What an insensitive Budget towards green concerns. I thought he was for the environment when he banned crackers and banners.”