Action against ‘Kantara’ crew if environmental norms found to be violated: Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre

During the course of the shooting, the Kantara team allegedly used explosives repeatedly, after which locals raised complaints about the use of explosives in the eco-sensitive area. A complaint was also filed at the Yesalur police station over the issue.

Responding to media queries, Khandre said, “I have asked officials to visit the spot. If they (movie crew) have violated conditions, then directions will be issued to immediately stop the team from filming further and action will be initiated against them.”

HMT issue

Commenting on the Hindustan Machine Tools issue, Khandre said that the state government had issued a show-cause notice to officials who had submitted an interlocutory application (IA) in the Supreme Court seeking de-notification of the Forest land granted to the public sector unit.

The officials had filed the IA without bringing it to the notice of the state government. “Based on their response, the government will decide on action against them,” he said.

The state government has recently moved to reclaim around 180 acres of land granted to HMT in the 1960s, alleging that the central-run unit was planning to sell off the forest land. The forest minister has proposed setting up a ‘Cubbon Park or Lal Bagh’-like space in the said land.