In a significant crackdown on environmental violations, forest department officials in Belagavi have arrested an individual connected to the unlawful cutting of trees at Badal Ankalagi village, located within Belagavi taluk. The accused was presented before a local court on Thursday and subsequently remanded to judicial custody, marking a stern response to the illicit activity.
Solar Project Land at the Center of Controversy
According to a release issued by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Kranti NE, the incident occurred on a 40-acre plot designated under Survey No. 359. This land had been officially approved for the energy department to establish a solar power initiative as part of the central government's PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme, aimed at promoting renewable energy sources among farmers and rural communities.
No Clearance Granted Despite Requests
The forest department clarified that officials from Hescom (Hubli Electricity Supply Company), based in Hirebagewadi, had approached them seeking permission to cut trees in the area to facilitate the solar project. However, the department explicitly stated that no such clearance or authorization was ever granted for tree felling, making any such activity illegal and subject to legal action.
"We have registered a formal case concerning the illegal felling of trees, which included valuable sandalwood specimens, covering approximately 8 acres of the total land," DCF Kranti NE emphasized in the release. "An ongoing inquiry is currently underway, and further action against other potential accused individuals will be pursued once the investigation is fully completed."
Land Lease Details and Broader Implications
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the district administration had leased the 40-acre plot to Hescom for a duration of 30 years, with the agreement finalized in February 2025. The lease terms stipulated an annual rent of Rs 25,000 per acre, subject to a periodic increase of 5% every two years, highlighting the commercial aspects of the land use.
This arrest underscores the ongoing tensions between developmental projects, such as solar energy installations under government schemes like PM-KUSUM, and environmental conservation efforts. It raises critical questions about compliance with forest regulations and the need for stringent oversight to prevent unauthorized activities, even on lands earmarked for public welfare initiatives.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for violating forest laws in India, particularly in regions like Belagavi, where natural resources are closely monitored. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the illegal tree felling and assess any potential lapses in supervision or enforcement.
