Karnataka Forest Minister Demands Report on Kudremukh National Park Earthwork
In a significant development, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre has taken serious note of the use of heavy earth machinery near Naravi forest within the Kudremukh National Park. The minister has formally sought a comprehensive report from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) regarding the controversial work that has sparked objections from conservationists.
Controversial Work Described as Routine Maintenance
According to officials, the forest department claimed the work was merely routine patrol path maintenance spanning approximately 3 kilometres between Halakki and Poonjaje. Kudremukh National Park Deputy Conservator of Forests Shivaram Babu stated that the project was funded by departmental grants and represented standard maintenance operations.
"It was a patrolling path. There were no violations," DCF Shivaram told media sources when questioned about the activity.
Minister's Specific Demands for Investigation
On February 18, Minister Khandre issued specific directives to the PCCF, demanding a detailed report within seven days. The minister's concerns centered on several critical aspects:
- Lack of clearance on the Parivesh environmental portal
- Visible destruction of vegetation observed at the site
- Documented proof of whether the project was included in the approved Annual Action Plan
- Complete details regarding the tender process, including dates, total costs, and the specific agency or contractor involved
Critical Analysis Mandated
Most significantly, Minister Khandre mandated a comparative analysis using old and current GPS-tagged photographs to verify the exact width of the path before and after the intervention. This analysis aims to determine whether a simple patrol track was illegally converted into a larger road through the use of heavy machinery.
The minister's intervention comes days after forest staff employed heavy earth-moving equipment in the sensitive forest area, raising concerns among environmental activists and conservation groups who questioned the legality and necessity of such extensive work in a protected national park.
Broader Implications for Forest Conservation
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between forest management practices and conservation priorities in Karnataka's protected areas. The minister's swift response and specific demands for documentation suggest increased scrutiny of forest department activities, particularly those involving significant environmental alterations.
The seven-day deadline for the report indicates the urgency with which the government is treating this matter, potentially signaling a shift toward greater accountability in forest management practices across the state's protected areas.
