KSDL will distribute protective kits to 10,000 forest personnel: Patil
Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) will be distributing protective kits to 10,000 forest personnel in the State, including forest guards, watchers, mahouts, and drivers.
The kits are distributed under the KSDL's Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The kit has a durable bag, jerkin, shoes, and a water bottle.
Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil said the first phase of the distribution will take place at the Convocation Hall of Karnataka State Open University in Mysuru on Wednesday at 1.30 p.m.
Mr. Patil said ₹2 crore from KSDL's 2024–25 CSR fund has been allocated for the procurement of the kits.
He emphasised the importance of supporting forest personnel, who play a crucial role in conserving sandalwood, which is the source of sandalwood oil, a key ingredient in Mysore Sandal Soap, the flagship product of KSDL.
As many as 2,168 staff members from the Chamarajanagar and Mysuru forest divisions will receive the kits at the event. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, KSDL chairman C.S. Nadagouda, and Karnataka Wildlife Board member Dhruva Patil will be present on the occasion, a release said.
The initiative will be extended to forest personnel in other districts in the coming weeks. The kits have been custom-fitted based on individual measurements. Of the 10,000 beneficiaries, 5,000 are permanent employees the release added.
'The safety and welfare of the forest personnel are our responsibility,' said Mr. Patil.
Dhruva Patil, who is also the founder of the Society for Protection of Plants and Animals (SPPA), was instrumental in conceptualising the initiative. His inputs were based on the hardships forest personnel often face in challenging working conditions, the release added.
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