Serious allegations of unchecked illegal tourism and administrative failure have surfaced in the protected Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Karnataka's Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. A formal complaint highlights dangerous activities by visitors at the scenic Vajrapoha Falls, posing a direct threat to both human safety and a critical wildlife habitat.
Formal Complaint Lodged Against Reckless Trespass
Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni from Belagavi has submitted a detailed complaint to senior forest authorities, demanding immediate intervention. The complaint is addressed to PC Ray, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, regional commissioner and ESZ monitoring committee chairperson Janaki KM, and deputy conservator of forests NE Kranthi.
The core grievance is that despite the ESZ being officially notified on December 4, 2024, violations have continued unabated for nearly a year. Although Vajrapoha Falls is outside the core sanctuary area, it falls squarely within the legally protected ESZ boundaries.
Tourists Flout Rules, Endanger Ecosystem
The complaint alleges that tourists are illegally accessing the waterfall area via the Jamboti region in the Khanapur Range. Visitors reportedly ride two-wheelers part of the distance and then trek to the falls. Disturbing evidence, including videos, shows these individuals:
- Swimming in deep and potentially dangerous waters.
- Lighting fires and cooking food in the forest.
- Engaging in various recreational activities that disrupt the environment.
This reckless behavior not only puts the tourists themselves at grave risk but also severely disturbs the fragile ecosystem. The area is a known wildlife corridor for tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. Its rugged terrain makes unauthorized entry both illegal and perilous.
Alleged Administrative Inaction and Failed Directives
The complaint points a finger at the assistant conservator of forests (ACF) of the Khanapur sub-division and the concerned range forest officers. It accuses them of failing to prevent trespass, register necessary offences, or enhance patrolling efforts to secure the zone.
Furthermore, Kulkarni highlights the apparent non-compliance with written directions issued by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on January 16, 2025. Following similar earlier incidents, the minister had specifically ordered officials to investigate illegal entries, take action against negligent staff, and penalize trespassers. The complainant states that no serious action was taken against either officials or offenders, allowing the violations to recur.
Citing the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, and the Karnataka Forest Code, 1976, the complaint asserts that the ongoing situation reflects a dereliction of duty by both field and supervisory officers. It calls for a thorough, time-bound inquiry into the enforcement failures and the action taken on the minister's directives, demanding accountability from the responsible officials.
The plea urges authorities to act with urgency to safeguard the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad landscape. The central demand is to ensure that ESZ regulations are enforced effectively on the ground, moving beyond mere notification on paper.
