Increase vigil to curb felling of trees for fuel, says minister

In response to a growing LPG shortage, Karnataka's Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has called for heightened vigilance against illegal tree felling for firewood. With many households and businesses resorting to traditional wood-burning methods due to limited access to liquefied petroleum gas, the demand for firewood has surged. Khandre emphasized the need for strict enforcement of existing laws to protect Karnataka's forests and ensure sustainable fuel sources. He also urged local authorities and forest officers to conduct regular inspections and take proactive measures to prevent unlawful logging. The minister's directive comes at a critical time as environmental concerns related to deforestation are increasingly pressing, impacting biodiversity and contributing to climate change. The government aims to balance the immediate needs of citizens for fuel while safeguarding the state's natural resources for future generations.