In a brazen violation of environmental protection orders, large-scale tree felling has been reported in the ecologically sensitive Bidaragodu hills of Thirthahalli taluk, Shivamogga district. Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has taken serious note of the illegal activity that occurred despite his explicit directives to halt all unauthorized operations in the forest area.
Minister's Directives Ignored by Illegal Operators
The controversy began when local villagers from Bidaragodu wrote to Minister Khandre requesting intervention against stone-crusher operations within the forest zone. Responding to their appeal, the minister ordered an immediate survey of the area. The forest department investigation confirmed that officials had already identified and marked trees in the region for protection.
However, while the survey was still underway, individuals with vested interests allegedly proceeded to cut down at least 24 marked trees. The location holds particular environmental significance as the hill falls within a deemed forest boundary and lies in close proximity to the sensitive Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Quarry Operations Behind Environmental Destruction
According to Jayanth, a resident of Bidaragodu, those seeking to restart a crusher quarry that was shut down years ago are responsible for the illegal tree felling. "They are continuously removing trees. The intention is clear: to retain the land for reopening the quarry," he stated, highlighting the commercial motives behind the environmental destruction.
Environmental organizations have strongly condemned the act. The Rainland Trust expressed outrage at the violation, while activist Chirag emphasized the seriousness of the crime. "The minister had asked the department to verify the forest characteristics, including the number of trees. A forest vigilante team recently listed the trees. Axing them is a serious crime," Chirag noted.
Legal Action Initiated Against Perpetrators
Forest department officials have confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated. DCF Ajjaiah Rudreshappa stated that a formal case has been filed and a comprehensive inquiry has been launched to identify and prosecute those responsible for the illegal tree felling.
In a separate but related incident in Soaraba, an influential person from Andavalli village in Chandragutti hobli allegedly destroyed more than one acre of forest land at Badadabailu village using earthmoving equipment during late Thursday night. Acting on instructions from the forest minister's office, forest staff immediately visited the site for investigation.
Sagara division DCF Mohan Kumar confirmed that the accused had illegally entered forest land and would face appropriate legal action for the environmental damage caused. The back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about the protection of forest areas in the region and the effectiveness of conservation measures.
