The son of a Minister, along with a hotelier who also builds mini-hydel projects, are among the State wildlife board members who are demanding that their private vehicles be allowed into forest areas.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, seven members of the board have said that the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 allows for public servants to enter restricted protected areas. As the members are nominated by the State government, the letter claims that they should be allowed entry into core areas.
“This provision would reduce the pressure on authorities to provide (vehicles) for government appointed nominees,” states the letter, signed by Minister K.J. George’s son Rana George, hotelier Syama Raju, paediatrician N.C. Shivaprakash, among others.
Forest officials and activists, however, are not convinced with the arguments. It is only official forest vehicles that have been allowed entry, while even other government vehicles are strictly regulated — primarily to dissuade joy rides, illegal intrusions and parties within forest premises, said a forest official.
Activists oppose
Activists pointed out that many of the nominated members are “politically appointed” and creating exceptions for them would end up being detrimental to conservation efforts.
C. Jayaram, Chief Wildlife Warden, said the letter had not yet come to his office and he could not comment on it.