Operations in Stone Valley Resort in Hassan endangering forests stalled

The Forest Department has taken action against the Stone Valley Resort, which was constructed on forest land, and also on tourists who had indulged in off-road drives during their visit to places that fall under the reserved forest areas in the Moorkannu Gudda region located in the Sakleshpura Taluk. The resort had come onto the forest land and hence operations pertaining to that were stalled. Some of the tourists had driven their Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) into the forest and had caused damage to the vegetation that was contained in the region. 

Activists welcome move, wish for more proactive measures

Environmentalists in the Hassan region had something to rejoice following the Forest Department’s action. Malenadu Janapara Horata Samiti had arranged a press conference. H.A Kishor Kumar, president of the organisation, R.P Venkateshamurthy belonging to the Hasirubhoomi Trust, ex head of the Malnad Area Development Board, H.P Mohan and C.N Ashok, renowned environment conservationists had attended the press meet. Kishor Kumar showered praises on the Forest Department officials for their commendable job. The environmentalists however reiterated that many more resorts and homestays in the region are guilty of similar offences. They wished the Forest Department would show a proactive initiative in restricting the damages to the forests and the wildlife that resides therein.