Belagavi: Farmers and environmental activists staged a protest against the alleged large-scale felling of trees on Kavalegudda mountain in Badal Ankalagi village of Belagavi district, claiming it has caused environmental damage and affected their livelihoods.
For more details : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/farmers-protest-against-large-scale-felling-of-trees-in-belagavi-village/article70582523.ece
The protest was led by Sri Basavalinga Avadhoot, seer of the Avadhoot Muth located on the mountain, along with members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha. Protesters alleged that trees were being cut on more than 40 acres of land for a proposed solar park and accused Minister and local MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar of ordering the felling.
Speaking to reporters, the seer said tree cutting had been going on for the past three to four weeks despite complaints to local forest officials. He alleged that earth movers were used to clear the land and that sandalwood trees and wildlife, including peacocks, deer and rabbits, were affected.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) N.E. Kranti said the felling was stopped immediately after the issue came to his notice on February 1 and that an inquiry has been ordered. He said the Assistant Conservator of Forests has visited the site and will submit a report. Any violation of law will be dealt with strictly, he added.
Forest Department sources said the land is classified as gairan (public grazing land) under the Revenue Department and that certain non-forest areas in the region are exempt from prior permission for tree felling. However, they said action would be taken if allegations regarding sandalwood trees or harm to wildlife are found to be true.
Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar denied the allegations, stating she had no knowledge of tree cutting and had not sanctioned any new scheme for the village. She termed the allegations baseless and said she would speak to local officials to gather details.
Revenue Department sources said around 40 acres of land in survey number 359 was transferred to the State Energy Department for setting up solar power units under the PMKUSUM feeder-level solarisation scheme, following orders issued on February 12, 2025. Officials said HESCOM has begun preliminary work at the site.
District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said he would direct the Deputy Commissioner to look into the matter.
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