Newskarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore :State Minister for Forest and Ecology and DK District in-charge Minister who has clarified with regard to the controversy arising with regard to the non-provision of compensation  to the family of Kushalappa who died in a tiger attack at Pilikula Nisargadhama, has said that  the compensation could not be granted as the Nisargadhama does not come under the purview of the Forest  Department.

Speaking to reporters  here  he said Kushalappa had died on July 31, 2012 and that  the government  could have provided compensation to his family then itself.  It is now almost over 20 months since the incident took place. Certain set of guidelines need to be followed while providing compensation, the Minister said.

Though the Forest Department cannot offer compensation in this case, compensation can be granted from the CM Fund, he added.

The Minister further said the Nisargadhama had offered a compensation of Rs one lakh to the family of the deceased worker.

Referring to the Kasturi Rangan Report, the minister allayed fears in the minds of the people of the Western Ghats and assured that the  report will be implemented without causing any harm to the   original inhabitants.

On the Niddodi project, Rai said it was a project that was approved by the erstwhile government. He said the project will not be implemented for any reason. He also clarified that the  Centre cannot implement the project without the approval of the state government.