Surrender Unlicensed Firearms by Nov 1 or Face Action: DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday asked people possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender them by November 1, warning of stringent action against those who fail to do so.

Addressing the National Forest Martyrs' Day programme here, he said no cases would be registered against those who voluntarily surrendered illegal weapons.

"Unlicensed and illegal firearms and weapons should be surrendered to the government by November 1. Otherwise, stringent action will be taken. If people keep such firearms after November 1, the government will trace and track them. We will know who is in possession of them. They will have to face action," Shivakumar said.

He said several Forest department personnel had lost their lives while carrying unlicensed guns.

"If you are keeping a gun for your protection or the protection of your animals, obtain a licence," he added, noting that the issuance of licences would be "liberalised".

Shivakumar said the government would soon decide on allowances for frontline Forest Department and police personnel.

"You are the people protecting the country's forest wealth. Many personnel have sacrificed their lives in conflicts with wildlife. We will consider the request made by the minister regarding allowances for departmental staff. The matter will be discussed with the Finance department, and a decision will be taken jointly, including for the police department," he said.

Recalling his association with forests, the CM said his village, home and constituency had always been closely connected with forests.

He said he had once aspired to become the Forest minister and had sought the portfolio during SM Krishna's tenure as chief minister.

"I had asked SM Krishna for an opportunity to become the Forest Minister, but he made me the Agriculture minister. Later, he changed his mind, gave Agriculture to Jayachandra and allotted me the Cooperation department. I was 38 then. Even during the Cabinet expansion, I was not given the Forest department but the Urban Development department. Around that time, the kidnapping of actor Rajkumar took place," he recalled.

Shivakumar urged forest officials to build a friendly relationship with people living on the fringes of forests and not create unnecessary hurdles for development works.

Forest encroachment was not a recent phenomenon and should be addressed according to law, he said.

"Do not put pressure on people. Forest department officials sometimes behave excessively on certain issues. You should not obstruct development works. Some exemptions have to be given," he said.

Asserting that protecting the environment was everyone's responsibility, the CM said, "No matter how powerful we are, ultimately we return to the earth. Even the wood that burns on the funeral pyre grows on this earth."

He praised the department's efficient and honest officials, saying their efforts had helped protect forests in several areas.

The CM asked forest officials to work towards the success of the 'Tegada Siri' scheme, saying it would provide greater benefits to farmers.

Under the Tegada Siri scheme, teak saplings will be planted along roadsides and farmers will be given responsibility for nurturing them. Once the trees grow and are ready for harvest, 70 per cent of the value will go to the farmer and 30 per cent to the government, he explained.

"Forest officials should work for the success of the Tegada Siri scheme. Farmers will benefit greatly from it. Everyone should focus on increasing the revenue of the Forest department," he said.

Karnataka was rich in wildlife, Shivakumar said, recalling his visit to Kabini, where he said he was amazed by the state's wildlife wealth.

He said tree parks would be developed on Forest department land within Bengaluru to expand the city's "lungs".

Later, speaking to reporters, the CM said a three-day Legislative Assembly session would be convened from September 21 to 23 to discuss the drought situation and the Kasturirangan report on the proposed Western Ghats eco-sensitive zone.

"All MLAs should freely express their views and suggestions during the session. A decision will be taken keeping the interests of the farmers and the general public of the state in mind," he said in response to a question about the Western Ghats eco-sensitive zone report.