Massive encroachment in Belagavi’s Bhimgad sanctuary, eviction process underway

The indianexpress.com learnt about the incident on April 26 after a local resident from the village shared pictures of the encroachment stating that the forest department did not take immediate action in clearing the encroachment.

The local resident revealed, “Although the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) was informed about the large-scale fresh encroachment and tree felling in March itself, action was not initiated on time to clear it. It is a very serious issue involving serious violation of Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation Act. Such illegalities cannot happen without the involvement of staff.”

The indianexpress.com learnt about the incident on April 26 after a local resident from the village shared pictures of the encroachment stating that the forest department did not take immediate action in clearing the encroachment.
(Express Photo)

“Both the principal chief conservator of forest (head of forest force) and chief wildlife warden must consider the issue seriously and take stringent action against officials and staff for negligence of duty. When the forest department does not permit road and bridge construction in wildlife sanctuaries, how could they allow such large-scale illegal activities? If action is not taken against erring officials and staff then we will be forced to approach the court,” the person added.

Principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Rajiv Ranjan has confirmed the details regarding the encroachment. Speaking to indianexpress.com, he said, “I have checked with the field staff. It is an old encroachment and the case is already booked. The 64(A) proceedings are going on,” referring to proceedings related to eviction of encroachment.

Deputy Conservator of Forest (Belagavi) G P Harsha Bhanu said, “On March 14, we got to know that trees were cut and set ablaze by some miscreants. We started the investigation then. Five accused have been apprehended for encroaching on the sanctuary and ploughing the land to grow cashew trees. For trespassing on the sanctuary, they have been booked under the relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and Karnataka Forest Act. On April 26, the accused were produced before the judicial magistrate.”

Principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Rajiv Ranjan has confirmed the details regarding the encroachment. (Express Photo)

Speaking on the matter, former principal chief conservator of forest (head of forest force), Karnataka, B K Singh said, “Encroachments on forest land in Amagaon region have been quite prevalent in the past. Several encroachments in Belagavi district, in the past, were evicted by officers. After their transfer, some of these forests were again encroached. Implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) has also accelerated the occupation of forest lands. Encroachers are emboldened to clear and occupy forest lands whenever an election is around the corner. They have the blessing of politicians. The fresh attempt at encroachment is part of a common trend in this belt.”