Belagavi:
Wildlife conservationist V.M. Pramod has filed a complaint with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests alleging large-scale misuse of CAMPA funds and procedural violations in the relocation of forest-dwelling families from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Khanapur taluk.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/activist-flags-irregularities-in-bhimgad-sanctuary-relocation-project/articleshow/125819716.cms
In his complaint, Pramod has sought action against former Belagavi DCF Maria Christu Raja D, Khanapur ACF Sunita Nimbargi, Bhimgad RFO Syed Nadaf, and officials from the revenue department and Nersa gram panchayat.
According to the allegations, significant irregularities were reported in Talewadi hamlet of Gavali village. Of the 57 families who applied for relocation, 32 were approved and 27 received the first installment of ₹10 lakh each. A major concern involves land in Survey No. 49, purchased by a private individual for compensatory afforestation (CA). After being certified suitable by the forest department, the same land was later listed in government records as “forest dwellers’ houses,” enabling 10 unrelated families to receive compensation.
Pramod further alleges that several beneficiaries who received money continue to live in the village, while over 30 genuine forest-dwelling families were denied support. He claims relocation proposals were moved forward without mandatory gram sabha approval and without following the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
The issue has also sparked political reactions, with BJP leaders including MLC Shantaram Siddi and former MLA Sunil Hegde holding a meeting in Hemmadaga opposing the relocation process. Locals have accused officials of rushing procedures for personal credit.
These allegations come as the Centre is already probing suspected CAMPA fund misuse in the Kali Tiger Reserve, a case also linked to the same former DCF.
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