Belagavi Tree Felling Controversy Escalates Into Major Political Flashpoint
The alleged illegal felling of thousands of trees at Kauri Gudda in Badal Ankalagi village, located within the Belagavi Rural constituency represented by Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, has transformed into a significant political confrontation. The situation intensified dramatically on Tuesday when local BJP leadership visited the site and issued a stern ultimatum to forest authorities.
BJP Issues Ultimatum and Threatens Office Siege
Belagavi Taluk Rural BJP block president Dhananjay Jadhav personally inspected the controversial site on Tuesday and held extensive discussions with forest department officials. Jadhav delivered a clear warning that BJP workers would lay siege to the Deputy Conservator of Forest's office if those responsible for the extensive tree felling are not arrested by Wednesday.
"We demand immediate arrests of everyone involved in this environmental destruction," Jadhav declared during his site visit. "If the authorities fail to take action by Wednesday, our party workers will surround the DCF's office in peaceful protest."
Demand for Comprehensive Inquiry Into Land Allocation
Jadhav has called for a thorough investigation into what he describes as questionable decision-making regarding land allocation for a solar power project. He specifically questioned why forest-like land was chosen for the solar project when alternative options were available.
"Instead of allocating flat, barren land that would have been more suitable for solar installation, authorities approved a green area that serves as habitat for hundreds of peacocks and other wildlife," Jadhav alleged. "Neither the tahsildar nor the Deputy Commissioner personally inspected this land before granting permission, which raises serious questions about the approval process."
The BJP leader further pointed out that nearly 55 acres of revenue department land, located within one kilometer of the site and suitable for development, was completely ignored during the land selection process.
Forest Department's Stance on Procedures
Deputy Conservator of Forest Kranti NE clarified that prior approval from the forest department is absolutely mandatory before undertaking any large-scale tree felling activities. The officer emphasized that proper procedures must be followed in such sensitive cases.
"Spot inspections by concerned officials are required before recommending any land for projects," Kranti NE explained. "I have specifically requested the Deputy Commissioner to review the powers delegated to tahsildars while sanctioning land for projects, particularly in environmentally sensitive cases like this one."
Tahsildar Admits to Not Conducting Personal Inspection
Belagavi tahsildar Basavaraj Nagaral acknowledged that he did not personally conduct a site inspection before recommending the land for the solar power project. He explained that the spot inspection was carried out by the revenue inspector instead.
"Based on the revenue inspector's report, I forwarded the proposal to the Deputy Commissioner for approval," Nagaral stated. "The land was originally identified by Hescom officials for the solar project, and my role was limited to verifying land availability as per the established checklist."
The tahsildar's admission has added fuel to the controversy, with critics questioning whether proper due diligence was exercised in the land allocation process for what was supposed to be an environmentally friendly solar energy initiative.
Growing Environmental and Political Implications
What began as a local environmental concern has now evolved into a full-blown political issue with potential ramifications for the region's ecological balance and administrative accountability. The controversy highlights the tension between development projects and environmental conservation, particularly when procedural lapses are alleged.
With the BJP's Wednesday deadline looming, all eyes are on whether arrests will be made or whether the threatened siege of the DCF's office will materialize, potentially escalating the situation further in this sensitive Belagavi constituency.
