Protest rally held against forest department

BHATKAL, Nov 30,2010 (Bhatkallys News): Condemning the demolition of structured houses built on forest land, the people of Bhatkal organised a peaceful demonstration to protest against the forest department.

Repeated memorandums and requests have landed on deaf ears as the authorities continue to run bulldozers over houses. Requests by NGOs, Tanzeem, Atikaram Sameti and Bhatkal youth federation have failed to convince the forest department.

Recently, a massive rally was organised collectively by Atikeram samethi, Tanzeem and Bhatkal Youth Federation which started from Shamsuddin Circle passng through the main road, Sultan street, Marikatta and turned into a gathering at the Anjuman Ground.

The gathering started with a lecture by former Minster Kagod Thimmiyya. Atikaram Sameti president Ramamoger, Bhatkal MLA J.D. Naik and Atikaram Samethi Zilla President Ravindernath Naik also gave speeches.
Former Minister Thimmiyya said, "People have been living here for several years and demolishing their property is just not right. They are not newly settled. Many times applications are given to register the land. Forest department has not helped.

The forest department officals have raised their case against local residents who have regularly requested action from the authorities. Public is given assurance by different leader that the land will be released from forest deaprtment and will be registered on the resident name.

Report & Photos By: Rizwan Gangavali- Bhatkallys News

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