Minister for Forests and Environment M.S.M. Anandan on Friday released a logo of ProjectKaliru ( Kaliru in Tamil means elephant), an initiative of the Coimbatore Forest Division, at the inauguration the 22{+n}{+d}State-level sports for forest personnel. It was attended by over 1,000 staff of the Forest Department.
Project Kaliru is aimed at involving all the government agencies and stakeholders to bring about an amicable solution to human-animal conflict.
The Minister also launched an e-compensation scheme for expeditious disbursement of compensation to farmers for crop loss by wild animals.
The Minister pointed out the Chief Minister’s recent announcement to constitute a Rapid Action Force at a cost of Rs. 8.64 crore and place the personnel at The Nilgiris, Gudalur, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and Krishnagiri to ensure swift action in the event of human-animal conflicts.
He also highlighted the various schemes and quantum of funds spent by the State towards afforestation, conservation and conflict mitigation initiatives.
The forest cover, which was at 17 per cent in 2011, had now gone up to 18.33 per cent, Mr. Anandan said and added that the State was committed to achieving 33 per cent forest cover soon.
Later, the Minister gave away compensation to the family members of those killed in wild animal attacks this year.
Coimbatore MP A.P. Nagarajan, Mayor P. Rajkumar, Collector Archana Patnaik, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests N. Krishnakumar, PCCF and Head of Forest Force (In-charge) V.K. Melkhani, Principal Secretary to Government for Forests Hansraj Verma, Conservator of Forests – Coimbatore, I Anwardeen, Rubber Corporation Chairman Srinivasamurthy, and District Forest Officer M. Senthil Kumar attended the function.

Source : The Hindu