Kalaburagi, 5 July

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday stressed the need to increase forest cover in State and across the country, expressing dismay over the "ineffective implementation of existing laws and programmes" to curb deforestation and expand green cover.

The AICC chief was speaking at the Vanamahotsava (tree plantation festival) event here, part of the 'Hariru Kalyana Karnataka' initiative, under which the State’s forest department aims to plant and nurture over 25 lakh saplings in the region.

"If you can't grow trees, you have no right to cut them," Kharge said.

Citing a forest report, he pointed out that the country’s forest cover averages 25.17 per cent of its geographical area, which he said is insufficient and should be at least 33 per cent. He noted that State’s forest cover stands at just 21 per cent.

"Even if two trees are planted in front of every house, it will make a difference," he said, highlighting that nearly 20 lakh hectares of tree cover have been lost in the country.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Kalaburagi district in-charge Minister Priyank Kharge, and other leaders attended the event.

Kharge urged the State government to prioritise large-scale afforestation efforts.