Date:08/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/08/stories/2006090813120300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Department of Forests to monitor markets

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Department of Forests, Ecology and Environment will strictly monitor the maintenance of vegetable and mutton markets in all cities in Karnataka, including Bangalore. Two officials will be deployed in every city exclusively to supervise cleanliness in markets, Minister for Forests C. Chennigappa said on Thursday.

After a surprise inspection of two slaughterhouses on Tannery Road and at Russell Market in the city, the Minister told presspersons that the Janata Dal (Secular) - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition Government would do everything to modernise all markets.

Calling upon the officials to join the Government in improving the condition of markets, the Minister said legal action would be taken against those who violate the Environment Protection Act by selling birds and pets.

Mr. Chennigappa, who found that a person was selling rabbits, "love birds", pigeons and some rare species of birds at Russell Market in Shivajinagar, immediately summoned the Department of Forests officials. He directed them to look into the matter and take action against the person.

Case against MLC

Mr. Chennigappa, who has been accused by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC G. Janardhan Reddy of taking bribe from miners in Bellary, said he would soon file a defamation suit against Mr. Reddy.

"Although he knows that his allegations are far from truth, Mr. Reddy is being provoked by some people to do so," the Minister added.