Madikeri: The proposal to carve Greater Talacauvery National Park out of Brahmagiri, Talacauvery and Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuaries in Kodagu could face resistance from the Forest Department here.

According to information gathered by The Hindu on Thursday, the department will send a letter to the State Government in a few days saying that such a proposal was not needed in the district. It would not bring any additional benefits to the people of the district or help in conserving the forests better, department sources said.

A few non-governmental organisations (NGOs) had submitted proposals to the Government to carve a national park out of the three sanctuaries.

If converted into a national park, the Government could lose control over reserve forests. Permissions would have to be sought from the Centre for taking up any activity. Why should the State Government want to surrender its powers? they asked. The Government would not get any money but the NGOs certainly would, sources said.

It would also raise the problem of displacement of people from the forests, most of whom were the primary inhabitants of the district. This could lead to serious sociological problems.

The NGOs would certainly want the people to move out their plan was to evict them by giving compensation. The second phase of the park proposal spoke of securing UNESCO aid to meet the rehabilitation costs, they said.

``Where was the need to create a national park at the cost of displacement of people," sources asked.

Elected representatives from Kodagu, political parties, and people in general have already opposed the park proposal mooted by the S.M. Krishna Government.

The Government should give serious thought to shelving the proposal.

Clarification sought

Forest Minister Chennigappa and district in-charge Minister Ramachandra Gowda sought clarifications from Forest department officials here on the implications of the proposals in August.

Mr. Gowda had said that he had received a memorandum from the Bhagamandala gram panchayat that the park proposal should be given up since it would pose difficulties to the people.

It was pointed out that it would prevent them from grazing cattle inside the forests.

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