The Karnataka state government has taken a decisive step to protect a critical wildlife habitat by imposing a complete ban on the entry of outsiders into the Vajrapoha Waterfalls area. This scenic but sensitive location falls within the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Jamboti region of Belagavi district.
Minister's Directive Follows Disturbing Report
The ban order was issued on the directions of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre. The move comes as a direct response to a detailed report published in The Times of India on December 17, which exposed large-scale illegal trespassing in the area. The report highlighted how groups of youths were entering the protected zone, causing significant disturbance to local wildlife. Photographic evidence even showed individuals harassing reptiles in the region.
Acting swiftly on the issue, forest department officials have already initiated legal cases against seven persons involved in the violations. Minister Khandre convened a high-level meeting with senior forest officials on Friday to address the crisis. He instructed them to strictly enforce the entry restrictions at Vajrapoha and implement stringent precautions to prevent any further untoward incidents.
Conservationist's Complaint Highlighted Systemic Failure
The government action was also prompted by a formal complaint from Belagavi-based wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni. He had submitted his concerns to several top authorities, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), the Chief Wildlife Warden, the Regional Commissioner, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
In his complaint, Kulkarni pointed out a critical lapse. Despite the Vajrapoha Falls area being officially notified as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) on December 4, 2024, violations and trespassing continued without check. He urgently appealed to the authorities to protect the fragile Bhimgad landscape and ensure the effective enforcement of ESZ regulations.
A Crucial Corridor Demands Protection
The Vajrapoha Falls region is not just a picturesque spot; it serves as a vital wildlife corridor within the sanctuary. It is home to endangered and significant species, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. The area's rugged and challenging terrain makes unauthorized entry not only illegal but also extremely dangerous, posing serious risks to human life.
While welcoming the Forest Minister's latest directive, conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni expressed a note of caution. He raised concerns about the lack of follow-up on previous orders. "While I welcome the Forest Minister's directions... it is disappointing that his instructions issued in January to initiate action against erring officials and staff remain unimplemented," Kulkarni stated. He emphasized that such inaction undermines accountability and weakens on-ground enforcement, which is crucial for the long-term protection of the sanctuary.
The ban represents a significant effort by the Karnataka Forest Department to curb human interference in a sensitive ecological zone. Its success will depend on rigorous enforcement and consistent administrative action to hold both violators and negligent officials accountable.
