Tumakuru's Environment & Heritage Issues

The Tumkur University authorities have again raised their voice to have the University campus inside the jungles of Devarayanadurga. There is a direction by the CEC to the Chief Scretary of Karnataka in its hearing on Application Number 585, Wildlife Aware Nature Club, Tumkur VS State of Karnataka, 20th October 2005 ( Ref: FOREST CASE UPDATE, Issue 17, October 2005 ). It has been clearly said that " there be no construction activity or felling of trees till a decision on this case is taken ". Though the CEC decision refers to the entire 300 acres that was originally occupied by the University, only 225 acres has been vacated. The rest 75 acres has been fenced off and has remained in possession of the University authorities. The University wants to clear fell this 75 acres for non-forest purposes. Of late the Vice Chancellor of the University has been issuing many press statements to this effect. Below is one such statement that appeared in Kannada Prabha, a sister publication...

Dear Friends, A rock python, big by standards of specimens recorded in Tumkur district, was run over on one of the roads inside Devarayanadurga (DD) state forest on 16 Nov 2008. This magnificent specimen measured 8.74 ft and weighed over 6 kilos. It was a really sad day as DD lost one more precious and endangered animal due to increased vehicular traffic and human movement inside the forest. This is the reason why we suggest there should be speed breakers on the roads here. Also there should be checkposts inside the forest to prevent unneccessary movement of vehicles from dusk to dawn. Regards, Mallikarjun (Mallik)