Cong holds dharna in House over tree felling issue

Bangalore, Aug 2 (UNI) Opposition Congress members led by their leader H K Patil in the Legislative Council staged dharna in the well of the House demanding setting up of a House Committee to inquire into illegal felling of trees by Nagarjuna Thermal Power Plant and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB).

Replying to a call attention motion by Mr K Prathapachandra Shetty (Cong), Minister for Forest M Channigappa said three cases had been filed against the company and the Divisional Forest Officer asked to inquire and submit a report before August 30.

Mr Patil alleged that Rs 50 crore worth trees were cut illegally by the company to set up its unit in the Dakshina Kannada District.

Minister for Higher Education and House Leader D H Shankaramurthy, intervening during discussion, said since the Minister had already ordered inquiry into the matter the Opposition should wait for the report and not press for House Committee.

However, sticking to their demand, the Opposition members trooped into the well as Chairman of the House, Professor B K Chandrashekhar, adjourned the proceedings for 30 minutes.

When the House reassembled, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs M P Prakash assured the House that action would be taken against erring official and against the company after getting the DFO's report and appealed to the Opposition to withdraw the dharna.

Mr Patil, however, demanded for inquiry by the Additional Chief Secretary to which the government agreed. Following this, Opposition members withdrew the dharna.

UNI