Solar Power Project Suspended in Karnataka Village Amid Illegal Tree Felling Controversy
In a significant development, the work on a solar power project in Badal Ankalagi village, Belagavi district, has been abruptly stopped following allegations of illegal tree cutting. Karnataka's Women and Child Welfare Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, confirmed the suspension, stating that the project under the PM KUSUM scheme was halted temporarily after the issue came to her attention through media reports.
Minister's Response and Investigation
Minister Hebbalkar revealed on Friday that she was unaware of the land handover for the scheme initially. "I did not know about the handover of land for the scheme. When the news came in the media, I spoke to the Deputy Commissioner," she said. A case has been registered against an individual for burning trees, and the government land was being used for the project in coordination with the revenue and forest departments. However, work was suspended immediately upon the minister learning of the allegations.
Protests by BJP and Farmer Organizations
Simultaneously, BJP workers and various farmer organizations staged a protest on the premises of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) office, demanding stringent action against those involved in the tree felling. The protesters alleged that thousands of trees, including valuable sandalwood trees, were cut down to install a solar plant for a private company in the village. They criticized the forest department for not taking any action against the culprits so far.
The site, described as a refuge for thousands of wild animals such as peacocks, saw trees covering over 50 acres being cleared in the forest. Protesters lashed out, holding revenue officials responsible for destroying the lush green forest. Later, they submitted a memorandum to the forest minister and higher officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, urging immediate intervention.
Key Figures and Ongoing Issues
Prominent BJP functionaries, including Dhananjay Jadhav, Prem Chougula, Wajid Hirekudi, and Basanagouda Patil, along with local farmers, were present at the protest. Despite the forest department conducting an investigation, no action has been taken against those constructing the solar plant to date, fueling further discontent among the protesters.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between development projects and environmental conservation in Karnataka, raising questions about the implementation of schemes like PM KUSUM and the accountability of officials in safeguarding forest resources.
