Farmers protest against ‘large-scale felling of trees’ in Belagavi village

Farmers in Belagavi protest tree felling for a solar park, citing environmental damage and threats to their livelihoods.

Farmers protested against ‘large-scale felling of trees’ on Kavalegudda mountain in Badal Ankalagi in Belagavi district of Karnataka, citing damage to the environment and impact on their livelihood.

The protest was led by Sri Basavalinga Avadhoot, seer of the Avadhoot muth, who lives on the mountain, and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha members. They accused Minister and local MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar of ordering the felling of trees on over 40 acres of land for a solar park.

“The felling of trees has been going on for 3-4 weeks now. We complained to local forest officials, but they did not stop it,” the seer told reporters. “Some contractors have used earth movers to cut down the trees. There were some sandalwood trees and wildlife, like peacock, deer and rabbits. Forest officers, who do not allow farmers to cut trees in their backyard, have allowed big companies to destroy the tree cover on such a large area. Some HESCOM officers told us that Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar is investing in a solar park in this region, and has taken the land on lease. We are going on strike to protest against this injustice,” the seer said.

Deputy Conservator of Forests N. E. Kranti said that he had ordered a halt to the felling of trees as soon as he heard of the incident on February 1. “We have ordered an inquiry into the incident. Assistant Conservator of Forests, Belagavi has reached the spot, and will submit an inquiry report. Any violation of the law will be strictly dealt with,” the DCF told reporters.

“Initial reports are that it is a gairan (public grazing) land owned by the Revenue Department. Anyway, the inquiry will take into account all these factors and verify all claims,” Mr. Kranti said.

Forest Department sources said that there was no rule against felling of trees in non-forest land in some drier parts of Belagavi district. “Some areas are exempt from prior permission for felling. Badal Ankalagi is one of those villages. However, if the complaint by farmers that sandalwood trees have been cut or that wildlife had been affected is found to be true, action will be taken,” a senior officer said.