Sirsi: Condemning Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa's statement to chop trees for bagair hukum cultivation, environmentalists have stated that giving such a statement is a criminal offence.

Vrukshalaksha Andolana President Ananth Ashisara told reporters here that the revenue minister is encouraging forest land encroachment, forest law violation and conversion of forest land, saying forest is not important.

Provoking deforestation cannot be accepted. Environmentlist B M Kumaraswamy, scientists T V Ramachandra, Subhash Chandran, Keshav Korse and others opposed the minister's statement.
Citizens should oppose political parties preferring deforestation instead of afforestation and water conservation in the background of drought situation.

The minister's statement may confuse children also. Environment awareness should be created in him first, Ashisara added.