Karnataka - Belgaum   

`Saptarangi' weed draws Minister's attention

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELGAUM, JAN. 11. The Minister for Forests, Gurupadappa Nagamarpalli, has asked the Forest Department officials here to identify places where a forest weed "Saptarangi" grows, in view of reports of its smuggling from Khanapur forests.

Saptarangi, a wild climber, is used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines.

Official sources told The Hindu that the Maharashtra Government has allowed the cutting of these climbers, which are also grown in privately owned "malki" lands.

But it is for the first time that the Forest Department in the State has learnt about the medicinal value of saptarangi and its smuggling.

Sources said the forest guards have so far seized 236 bags of saptarangi, which commands a price of Rs. 10 a kg.

The Minister, who visited an area near Degaon village where saptarangi grows, spoke to the villagers, who pleaded that they be allowed to cut and sell the climber as they have no other source of income.

Mining

Mr. Nagamarpalli visited some areas near Kalmani where manganese ore is being mined. Sources said the Mines and Geology Department has given permission for mining in malki lands owned by individuals.

However, Forest Department officials including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Belgaum Deputy Forest Officer have written to the Mines and Geology Department as well as the Deputy Commissioner to cancel the permission as mining in close proximity to the reserved forests can prove detrimental to the ecology.

Little cooperation

But there is little cooperation from the local people, who have leased their lands for mining. Even labourers are opposing the ban on mining as they will lose their jobs.

The Minister also visited some spots allegedly encroached upon by the local people for ragi cultivation in Sada village.

Three persons were arrested and the department reclaimed the land and planted saplings, sources said.

Mr. Nagmarpalli, who listened to farmers who lost their crops to elephants, assured them that he will look into their demand to enhance the compensation.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

`Saptarangi' weed draws Minister's attention
`Cultural values being commercialised'

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu